Begum Khaleda Zia Departs from London Heathrow for Dhaka Aboard Royal Air Ambulance

LONDON, 5 May 2025 – After months of intensive medical treatment in the United Kingdom, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has begun her journey back to Dhaka. She departed from London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday evening (Bangladesh time) accompanied by close family members and a medical team.

According to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, the veteran political leader left for the airport around 6:45 PM Bangladesh time, with her son Tarique Rahman, BNP’s Acting Chairman, personally driving her from their London residence to Heathrow.

✈ Travel Schedule of Begum Khaleda Zia

✍ Who’s Accompanying Her?

Begum Zia is not travelling alone. A nine-member delegation is returning with her, which includes:

Dr Zubaida Rahman – Wife of Tarique Rahman

Sharmila Rahman – Widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko

Members of her medical board and key personal aides

🏠 Where Will She Stay?

Upon arrival, Begum Khaleda Zia will be taken directly to her residence ‘Firoza’ in Gulshan, which has already been fully prepared for her stay. Security has been visibly tightened around House No. 1 on Road 80, with members of law enforcement stationed at key points.

Meanwhile, Dr Zubaida Rahman is expected to stay at her parental home in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

🏛️ BNP’s Reception Plans

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has made significant arrangements to receive its leader warmly. However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has issued a directive to party members, requesting them to stand in orderly rows along the roadside instead of crowding the streets, in order to avoid causing public inconvenience or traffic disruptions.

🏥 Summary of Medical Journey

Begum Khaleda Zia had flown to London on 8 January 2025 in a Royal Air Ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar, seeking advanced treatment for several critical ailments, including:

Liver cirrhosis

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Kidney complications
• Respiratory and cardiac issues
• Vision problems

She underwent 17 days of hospitalisation at London Clinic, after which she continued treatment under the supervision of Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross, two noted specialists, while staying at her son Tarique Rahman’s residence.

Now, having stabilised, Khaleda Zia returns to Bangladesh in the very same Royal Air Ambulance, ready to continue her convalescence at home.