BNP prepares warm, disciplined welcome for returning Khaleda Zia

Former prime minister Khaleda Zia is returning to Bangladesh on Tuesday, after undergoing medical treatment abroad for four months. BNP has instructed its leaders, activists, and supporters to line up in an orderly manner on one side of the road, waving party and national flags to greet the former premier.

She departed London on Monday aboard an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. The aircraft is scheduled to land at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:30am.

Earlier, around 1:30pm London time, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman personally drove his mother to Heathrow Airport. Seated beside her in the car, his daughter, Zaima Rahman, was also present, sitting behind her grandmother. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists had gathered at the airport beforehand, holding placards and banners to bid farewell.

Khaleda Zia is accompanied by her two daughters-in-law—Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman—on her return. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party's National Standing Committee will welcome them at the airport.

However, the BNP has also requested law enforcement to take necessary measures if any public inconvenience is caused during the event.

Dr Zubaida Rahman's return marks the end of nearly 17 years of self-imposed exile. Due to concerns over her safety, she will be provided with special police protection.

However, Tarique Rahman has directed party members and those concerned not to disturb local residents in the name of ensuring her security.