May 6, 2025
DHAKA – BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Heathrow Airport tonight (Monday night) for Dhaka onboard a special air ambulance provided by the emir of Qatar.
She is returning home nearly four months after receiving advanced treatment in London.
“The special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, carrying BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her entourage, took off around 9:35 pm (BST),” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
He said the flight is scheduled to reach Hamad International Airport in Doha at 1:25am (local time) and will fly to Dhaka after a stopover of one hour and 35 minutes.
Earlier, the BNP chief left the home of her elder son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman around 7:00pm (BST) and reached the airport in nearly 40 minutes.
Tarique personally drove his mother to Heathrow Airport and saw her off there.
Accompanying them in the car were Tarique’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, widow of Khaleda’s late son Arafat Rahman Koko.
Upon arrival at the airport, she waved to party activists with a smile as she bid them farewell.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Madam is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:00am on Tuesday aboard Qatar’s royal air ambulance. We are hopeful the flight will land on time.”
Addressing BNP supporters, Fakhrul urged, “Please do not gather on the roads. Those wishing to welcome Madam should stand on the sidewalks. We have instructed party members to greet her with national and BNP flags in hand.”
“Tomorrow is an SSC examination day. I request all BNP leaders and affiliated organisations not to block roads or disrupt traffic. Ensure students can reach their exam centres without delay,” Fakhrul added.
He also called on law enforcement authorities to help keep the roads clear.
BNP sources said all preparations have been completed at Khaleda Zia’s residence, House 1 on Road 80 in Gulshan, popularly known as “Firoza.”
Security has been tightened, with police and members of the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) deployed in shifts. The interior has been cleaned and refurbished, while the garden has been decorated with flower pots, party sources said.
Shayrul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP’s Media Cell, said, “All preparations have been completed. Electricity, water, gas, cleanliness, decoration, nothing has been overlooked. Madam’s family members have supervised the arrangements. Now, we are all waiting for her return.”
Khaleda Zia will be accompanied on the flight by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman.
She had travelled to London on January 8 for advanced medical treatment. Following 17 days of hospitalisation at a private clinic, she has been under the care of specialists, including Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross, at her son’s residence since January 25.