Khaleda’s Return: BNP plans a grand welcome on Tuesday

BNP leaders are making elaborate preparations to provide a warm welcome to party chief Khaleda Zia, who is expected to return home on Tuesday after nearly four months of medical treatment in London.

The former prime minister is scheduled to depart Heathrow International Airport tomorrow on a special Royal Air Ambulance, arranged by the Emir of Qatar. Her son and BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will see her off at the airport.

Her travel plans got delayed by a day. Earlier, the plan was that she would leave London today and arrive in Dhaka tomorrow.

Upon her arrival in Dhaka on Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior members of the party's Standing Committee will greet her at the airport. She will then head to her Gulshan residence "Firoza".

According to party leaders, BNP activists will line the route from the airport to her home, holding national and party flags to welcome their leader.

Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, Khaleda's daughters-in-law, will accompany her. Zubaida has been in London since 2008, when she travelled there with her husband, Tarique, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman.

Khaleda will also be accompanied by her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Adviser Enamul Haque Chowdhury, and Assistant Private Secretary Masudur Rahman.

Meanwhile, two key members of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's medical board—Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, a cardiologist, and ICU consultant Dr Zafar—reached London yesterday to accompany her back to Bangladesh.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP's Gulshan office yesterday, Fakhrul said Khaleda's health condition has improved significantly during her time abroad.

"Being in a familial environment and under advanced medical care, she is doing much better by the grace of Allah. That's why she has decided to return to the country.

"The fascist Hasina regime falsely imprisoned her under fabricated charges and caused her serious physical harm. But now, the entire nation is emotionally charged and ready to welcome her home. Patriotic citizens from across the country are preparing for her return."

Fakhrul said the BNP has made necessary preparations to ensure order and discipline on her way to her residence from the airport.

Fakhrul urged party members to receive her in a peaceful and disciplined manner to avoid causing traffic congestion.

He also called upon the general public to use the elevated expressway on the day of her return to avoid traffic.

At a joint meeting held last night, BNP leaders issued strict instructions to maintain order. Activists have been told not to block roads or cause any disruption along the route from the airport to Gulshan.

During her last departure on January 7, crowding had delayed her arrival at the airport by an hour and 47 minutes.

As Tuesday is a working day, traffic is already expected to be heavy. Any large gathering may lead to major gridlocks, and the party has therefore urged activists to strictly follow instructions.

According to BNP sources, law enforcers have been requested to ensure security at both Khaleda's Gulshan residence and Zubaida Rahman's ancestral home, Mahbub Bhaban, in Dhanmondi.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police will provide security detail and escort for Khaleda from the airport to her residence.

Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar and Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam Shams are coordinating with law enforcement to ensure both security and a smooth reception for the former prime minister.

On January 8, Khaleda was flown to London on a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment.

The 79-year-old former prime minister was admitted to the London Clinic, where she underwent 17 days of treatment.

Since January 25, she has been under continued care at Tarique's residence.