Khaleda Zia Heads to London for Treatment
In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia left for London on Tuesday. The 79-year-old BNP leader flew on a royal air ambulance sent by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reportedly for advanced medical treatment.
Zia, who served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister three times, is suffering from liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney problems. Her departure from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was an emotional moment for her supporters, many of whom gathered outside her Gulshan residence to bid her farewell.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, Zia’s motorcade took nearly three hours to cover a 10-kilometer stretch due to large crowds lining the streets. Her journey was broadcast live on local TV channels, reflecting the significance of her trip.
First Reunion with Son in Seven Years
In London, Khaleda Zia is expected to reunite with her son, Tarique Rahman, who has been living in the UK since 2008. This will be their first meeting in seven years and her first overseas trip since being released from prison.
Rahman, who is the acting chairman of the BNP, has been a controversial figure in Bangladesh’s politics. His mother’s trip to London is being viewed as a potential boost for the BNP’s leadership amid political uncertainty in the country.
Political Turmoil in Bangladesh
Zia’s departure comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh. The country is facing a leadership vacuum after the ousting of her longtime rival, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 15 years, was forced out of power in August 2024 following a massive student-led uprising. Facing charges of killing hundreds of protesters, she fled to India, leaving behind a divided nation.
In her absence, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge as the interim leader. His government has been negotiating with the BNP for elections, but Yunus insists that key reforms must be implemented before any polls take place.
A Shifting Political Landscape
Zia’s exit from Bangladesh could reshape the country’s political dynamics. With Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party sidelined, the rise of Islamist political groups is becoming more visible in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people.
Meanwhile, student groups that led the anti-Hasina protests are reportedly working on forming a new political party. The absence of both Zia and Hasina from active politics may create a power vacuum, giving new players a chance to reshape Bangladesh’s political future.
For now, Khaleda Zia’s health remains a top priority for her supporters. But her trip to London has also reignited discussions about the future of the BNP and the political fate of Bangladesh.
As one chapter closes, another is unfolding in the nation’s complex political history.
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