POBNEWS24, Dhaka Apr 27, 2025 : After months of speculation, Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is poised to return to Bangladesh following medical treatment in London.
The news has sparked anticipation within the party, with senior leaders hinting that her homecoming could reinvigorate the BNP’s political momentum.
Meanwhile, discussions swirl around the potential return of her son, Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, who is “actively considering” coming back to lead the party on home soil.
Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, travelled to London on January 7, 2025, for advanced medical treatment after years of legal and health challenges. Her departure followed a significant political shift on August 5, when the interim government granted her permission to seek treatment abroad—a privilege denied by the previous Awami League administration. Now, after a decade apart, she has reunited with her son Tarique Rahman and his family, fuelling speculation of a joint return.
BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told Jago News, “Madam is preparing to return home. However, the exact date depends on consultations with her doctors and completing formalities. The party is making all-out preparations for her arrival.”
Her personal physician in London, BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed, “Madam will return home soon.”
Media reports suggest a possible return by May, potentially accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman.
Tarique Rahman, who has been leading the BNP from London, is also at a crossroads. Recently acquitted in major cases, including the August 21 grenade attack, he faces minimal legal hurdles to return.
BNP’s legal affairs secretary, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, told this Correspondent, “Tarique respects the law, the court, and the constitution. The cases were never an obstacle, and they aren’t now. He is actively considering returning and will take steps in due course.”
However, while earlier discussions hinted at a joint return with his mother, sources now clarify that Tarique is not returning immediately.
Khaleda Zia has battled multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, heart disease, and arthritis. Imprisoned in 2018 after a corruption conviction, her sentence was suspended via an executive order, though she was initially barred from traveling abroad.
Dr Zahid Hossain provided an update on her condition: “Madam is staying at Tarique Rahman’s house in London, under specialist care. Her health is stable now.” He noted that her grade-two liver cirrhosis required a TIPS procedure, while her heart underwent re-stenting. Chronic kidney disease and post-COVID complications are also being managed, with her family satisfied with prior treatment at Ever Care Hospital in Bangladesh.
Khaleda’s return could be a turning point for the BNP, which has faced stagnation in its political activities. Senior leaders believe her presence will galvanise the party’s base.
A senior BNP leader, speaking anonymously to Jago News, said, “If Madam returns, our programs will gain new momentum. Workers and supporters will be energised.”
However, her active role will depend on her health. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque added, “We hope Madam and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will jointly lead the party upon her return, assuming she’s healthier than before.”
Political analyst Mohiuddin Khan Mohan offered a more cautious view: “Her return won’t impact politics unless she becomes active. If she does, her influence will be visible.” Others note that her health and potential government restrictions might limit her participation, forcing the BNP to rethink its strategy.
