BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, returned home on Tuesday after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London amid a festive atmosphere and a rousing reception by thousands of people.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with senior party leaders, received Khaleda Zia at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and presented her with a bouquet.

A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying the BNP chief and her entourage landed at the airport at 10:42am.

After completing the required formalities at the airport, a vehicle carrying Khaleda Zia—seated in the front seat with her two daughters-in-law in the rear—left the airport. The journey to her Gulshan residence, Feroza, took over two hours due to massive crowds gathered along both sides of the route to welcome her.

Thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters, holding banners, placards, flowers, national and party flags, and photos of Khaleda and Tarique Rahman, gathered on footpaths stretching from the airport to Khaleda’s residence from early morning to greet their beloved leader and party chief.

As Khaleda’s motorcade passed, BNP supporters waved flags and showered flower petals on the convoy to welcome her home.

They also chanted various slogans in a disciplined manner, demonstrating their deep love and support for Khaleda.

As the party’s secretary general had earlier urged supporters not to block the road, numerous volunteers were seen actively working to keep BNP followers on the pavements and minimise traffic disruption.

But, in some areas, the crowd slightly spilled onto the roadway, causing a slowdown in traffic along certain stretches.

Talking to reporters at the airport, Fakhrul expressed 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.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said Khaleda Zia returned home in stable health and mental condition.  “She is a little physically tired from the journey, but mentally she is very stable.” Zahid told reporters in front of Khaleda’s residence.

Tarique Rahman to return soon to lead ‘final push’ for democracy: Dr Zahid

Zahid, who is also Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and accompanied her on the same air ambulance, urged the people of the country to pray for the continued recovery and well-being of the BNP Chairperson.

On behalf of the BNP, Zahid expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar and the Qatari government for willingly providing the royal special air ambulance, which carried Khaleda to and from London.

He expressed gratitude, on behalf of Khaleda and the BNP, to the Bangladesh Army, BGB, police, RAB, other law enforcement agencies, and media personnel for the roles they played in safely escorting her from the airport to her residence in Gulshan.

Zahid said she also conveyed her appreciation to people from all walks of life, including party leaders and activists, for the overwhelming welcome she received.

The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following a stopover in Doha.

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 had been receiving treatment at the residence of her elder son, Tarique Rahman.

Following her discharge from the London Clinic, she continued her recovery under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Cross at Tarique Rahman’s residence.

Meanwhile, the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence, ‘Feroza’, located at House 1, Road 80, had been fully prepared to welcome her.

Stringent security measures were enforced around Khaleda’s residence since Tuesday morning. Members of the Army and BGB, along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure her safety and safe return to her house.

Zubaida’s Homecoming After 17 Years

Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008.

After 17 years in exile, Dr Zubaida Rahman also returned home with her mother-in-law.

Although her father’s residence in Dhanmondi had been prepared for her stay, Zubaida proceeded directly to Khaleda’s residence from the airport.

While the house is already well-maintained, additional arrangements were made to ensure Zubaida’s comfort and security.

Members of the police and intelligence agencies were deployed at the residence, following a BNP request to the Inspector General of Police for armed protection, a police presence, and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats.

Reunion with Mother

Hours after returning home, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, went to Square Hospital in the capital to visit her ailing mother, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu.

Zubaida’s mother had been admitted to the hospital with various age-related complications on 1 May.

Upon her arrival at the hospital amid tight security measures, Zubaida was welcomed with flowers by representatives of the Suravi Foundation, an organisation dedicated to working with underprivileged children, said BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Rumon said Zubaida went up to the hospital cabin via a special lift and embraced her mother in a heartfelt moment witnessed by close family members.

After 17 years, Dr Zubaida returns home in emotional reunion

“After many years apart, Zubaida was emotionally reunited with her ailing mother,” he said.

Zubaida to stay for few days

Dr Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will also return home very soon.

He said Zubaida is expected to stay in the country for a few days.

Zahid said that, with her husband and daughter still in London, it is natural for her to travel back there briefly.

“She might leave for London after a few days. But she will soon return permanently with Tarique Rahman, who will then lead the final stage of the movement to restore democracy in the country,” Zahid added.