BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia reached her Gulshan residence from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as she returned from London along with her two daughters-in-law — Tarique Rahman's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Shamila Rahman, reports UNB.
A vehicle with Khaleda seated in the front seat, while her two daughters-in-law occupied the rear seats, left the airport around 11:15 am and reached her house, Firoza, around 1:25 pm amid tight security measures.
A Qatari royal air ambulance carrying Khaleda and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:42 am, said BNP Media Cell member Sairul Kabir Khan.
Khaleda returned home after nearly four months of advanced treatment in London, while Zubaida returned, ending her 17-year exile in London.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with several senior party leaders, welcomed Khaleda at the airport.
Speaking 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.
The special air ambulance, provided by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, departed Heathrow Airport at around 9:35 pm (BST) on Monday, carrying Khaleda and her entourage. It reached Dhaka after a stopover in Qatar.
The leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies welcomed her, standing along the footpaths stretching from Airport Road to Gulshan Avenue to greet their beloved leader and party chief.
BNP supporters began assembling along both sides of the nearly 10-kilometre route from early morning, holding national and party flags to welcome Khaleda on her return.
Khaleda Zia had 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.
Her residence 'Firoza' located at House 1, Road 80, was 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.
On Tuesday 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 Sairul 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.
Sairul 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.
Zubaida's return 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 she will be staying at her father's residence in Dhanmondi, she went directly to Khaleda's residence from the airport.
Her father's house, known as Mahbub Bhaban, located at Road 5 of Dhanmondi, has also been prepared to receive Zubaida.
Although the house is well-maintained, additional arrangements have been made to ensure Zubaida's comfort and security.
Members of the police and intelligence agencies have been deployed in the house as the BNP wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting armed protection, a police presence at the residence and the installation of an archway scanner, citing potential security threats to her.
"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 joyous day for us and the people," said the BNP leader.
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