Khaleda Zia walks home
The BNP chief is accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, and members of her medical team
Khaleda Zia marked her return home amid loud cheers of her supporters and families by walking to her residence.
During public appearance, the ailing Khaleda was often seen using a wheelchair but today (6 May) she walked from her car to her residence with support from those beside her.
Her walk home today has become symbolic it itself, speaking to her improved health.
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BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman — has reached her Gulshan residence, "Firoza", after she landed at Dhaka airport earlier today (6 May).
A vehicle with Khaleda seated in the front seat, while her two daughters-in-law occupied the rear seats, left the airport around 11:15am and reached her house, Firoza, around 1:25pm amid tight security measures.
Leaders and activists of BNP and all of its affiliated organisations gave them a warm welcome by swarming the streets just to get a glimpse of the party chief and accompanying their motorcade from the airport to her residence.
A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42am, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told reporters.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport.
Talking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed the hope that the return of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would facilitate the restoration and advancement of democracy in the country.
"She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. With the fall of fascism, she was finally able to receive proper medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today. It's a matter of great joy for us and the people," said the BNP leader.
Khaleda Zia left Heathrow Airport yesterday (5 May) for Dhaka aboard the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. She has returned home nearly four months after receiving advanced treatment in London.
Apart from Zubaida and Sharmila, Khaleda is accompanied by an entourage that includes members of her medical team.
BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route since early morning today, holding national and party flags to greet Khaleda on her return.
Earlier on Monday, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had urged everyone not to stand on the road in any manner. "Those wishing to welcome Madam should stand on the footpath and greet her from there. We have instructed that party leaders and activists may hold national and BNP flags while receiving her," he said.
He urged party members to remain vigilant and avoid causing traffic congestion while welcoming the BNP chief, as an SSC examination is scheduled for Tuesday.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also issued a notice on Monday, warning of potential traffic congestion in the Gulshan-Banani area due to excessive crowds gathering to welcome Khaleda.
It also released a set of parking guidelines for the vehicles of journalists and arriving guests to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to city traffic.
Gulshan residence Firoza prepared to welcome Khaleda
Meanwhile, the BNP chief's Gulshan residence, 'Firoza', located at House 1, Road 80, has been fully prepared to welcome her.
Upon her return, stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda's residence. Members of the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety.
Today morning, the road in front of Firoza was seen closed to vehicular traffic, with only limited pedestrian access. A tight security perimeter was established by law enforcement officials.
The premises had been thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flower pots in the garden, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supplies were checked, according to Sayrul Kabir Khan.
Surrounded by high walls, the residence features a security room at the entrance, where members of the police and the Chairperson's Security Force (CSF) are stationed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security.
Sayrul noted that all rooms inside the house had been cleaned, with the front garden decorated with flower pots, adding a touch of colour and warmth in anticipation of her arrival.
London visit
The 78-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, eye problems, and post-Covid complications.
Khaleda Zia travelled to London on 8 January in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar.
Upon arrival, she was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital, where she remained under the care of renowned specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross for 17 days.
Since 25 January, she has been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman.
Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. It will be Zubaida's first return to Bangladesh in 17 years.
