Tue May 06 06:05:04 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh’s Khaleda Zia Returns Home After London Medical Treatment

**DHAKA, Bangladesh (May 6, 2025)** – Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka today after four months of medical treatment in London. Ms. Zia, 79, who suffers from various health issues including liver cirrhosis and heart problems, travelled to London on January 8th for advanced care.

After receiving treatment at The London Clinic and subsequently at her son’s residence, she returned on a Qatari royal air ambulance, landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 10:42 am. She was greeted by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other party leaders.

Mr. Fakhrul expressed optimism that Ms. Zia’s return would bolster democracy in Bangladesh, stating that her treatment abroad followed years of “fascist oppression.” He celebrated her return as a victory for the people.

Ms. Zia’s acquittal in two corruption cases – the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust cases – in March paved the way for her departure and return. She had previously been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 2018 in one of these cases.

Security has been heightened around Ms. Zia’s residence in anticipation of her arrival, with police and other security forces deployed to manage the expected crowds of supporters. Authorities issued warnings about potential traffic congestion in the Gulshan-Banani area.

Ms. Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice, from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006. Her return marks a significant political event in Bangladesh.

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