Published : 05 May 2025, 08:49 PM
Preparations are complete at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Feroza, as the BNP chairperson returns home after four months in London for medical treatment.
The front lawn has been adorned with vibrant potted flowers, and the interior of the house has been meticulously cleaned and arranged to ensure a warm welcome for the party leader.
Security has been tightened around the walled compound, with police and members of the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF) stationed at the premises.
Dedicated rooms have been prepared for security personnel in front of the residence.
Khaleda is set to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday and will stay at Feroza upon her return.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda will depart London’s Heathrow Airport at 4:10pm local time on Monday aboard a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar.
She will be accompanied by her daughters-in-law—Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Coco.
The air ambulance is scheduled to stop in Doha at 2:30am local time before reaching Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30am Bangladesh time.
Khaleda’s physician, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed the travel details and said the BNP chief is feeling much better.
The 79-year old three-time former prime minister has long battled liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis.
She was treated by Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross at The London Clinic for 17 days before moving to her son Tarique’s home.
Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and supporters not to crowd the streets to welcome Khaleda, citing ongoing SSC examinations.
Supporters have been instructed to stay on the pavements, carrying national and BNP flags, and avoid blocking roads.