Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia departed for London on Tuesday for advanced medical treatment. A royal air ambulance was provided by the Emir of Qatar to her. According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, the three-time prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) left from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with her doctors, family, and a team of Qatari medical experts.
Thousands Line Streets to Support Zia
Zia’s convoy faced a three-hour journey to cover the 10-kilometer route from her residence in Dhaka’s Gulshan area to the airport due to heavy traffic caused by thousands of supporters who lined the streets. The convoy, which demonstrated immense public support, was broadcast live on television. Senior BNP leaders were present at the airport to bid farewell to their leader.
According to Zia’s physician, she suffers from liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney problems. Her trip to London marks a critical phase in her healthcare journey.
Unrest and Leadership Transition in Bangladesh
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been turbulent following the resignation and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Massive student-led protests, initially sparked by demands for changes to government job quotas, escalated into a broader anti-government movement. The unrest resulted in the deaths of around 300 people, forcing Hasina to step down and flee the country.
Currently, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus governs the country. The interim administration plans to hold national elections by December 2025 or early 2026.
Legal Troubles and Recent Developments
During Hasina’s tenure, Khaleda Zia was sentenced to 17 years in prison for corruption charges dating back to her time as prime minister from 2001 to 2006. Zia’s supporters have long claimed these charges were politically motivated, a claim Hasina’s government denied.
Under Yunus’ leadership, Zia was acquitted of one of the corruption cases in November 2024, while an appeal for the second case is ongoing. Zia’s journey to London comes amidst a shifting political environment in Bangladesh.
