Khaleda Zia Returns to Gulshan’s Feroza After Four Months Under Tight Security

Staff Reporter

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to her Gulshan residence, Feroza, at 1:25 PM on Tuesday (May 6) after over four months of medical treatment in London. Law enforcement agencies permitted only her travel companions and assigned senior leaders to enter the residence due to security protocols.

A special air ambulance carrying her landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:38 AM. After completing airport formalities, she departed for Gulshan via a separate vehicle at 11:20 AM through the hangar gate. BNP activists lined the roadsides waving party and national flags to welcome her, though crowd control measures were strictly enforced.

Khaleda Zia had left Dhaka for London on January 7 for advanced medical treatment. Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport on January 8, she was received by her elder son Tarique Rahman and family members before being admitted to The London Clinic for treatment of multiple conditions including cardiac complications and liver cirrhosis. After 17 days of hospitalization, she was transferred to Tarique’s residence for continued care. Her return was approved after medical boards confirmed stabilized health parameters.

On Monday (May 5) at 4:30 PM local time, she departed Heathrow aboard a Royal Air Ambulance provided by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The entourage included daughters-in-law Dr. Zobaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, medical teams, and 13 total personnel. The aircraft was equipped with advanced life-support systems for the long-haul flight.

Her return has sparked significant political discourse. While BNP ranks view her improved health as favorable for the party, physicians have advised complete rest given her critical condition. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “Begum Zia’s return brings joy, but her health remains fragile. We pray for her full recovery.”

Since her conditional release in 2020 from imprisonment on corruption charges (2018 conviction), Khaleda has remained politically inactive due to health constraints. Analysts suggest her medical repatriation may influence Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Enhanced security measures surround Feroza residence, with authorities restricting public gatherings citing health and safety concerns. Special security protocols were implemented along the airport-Gulshan route. While social media reflects BNP supporters’ enthusiasm, large assemblies were avoided per administrative directives.

This homecoming marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s socio-political context, with ongoing discussions about her health and potential future political role.