Khaleda Zia is a prominent and uncompromising name in Bangladeshi politics. Since 1984, she has served as the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She has also held office as the country’s Prime Minister three times. However, since being imprisoned on February 8, 2018, she has remained largely detached from politics. Over the years, she has suffered from various complex health issues. In her absence from active politics, her elder son, Tarique Rahman, assumed the role of Acting Chairman and has since been leading the party.

After being acquitted of charges following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, Khaleda Zia traveled to London on January 8 this year for advanced medical treatment. After four months of treatment, she returned to Bangladesh on Tuesday, May 6. Despite suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, and heart disease, she has regained some physical stability, which allowed her return. Her potential re-engagement in active politics has sparked curiosity among both party members and the broader political arena.

According to BNP sources, Khaleda Zia will not be directly involved in active party politics even after returning home. Tarique Rahman will continue leading the party as Acting Chairman, just as before. Due to her age and health, she may not be visible in public political activities, but she is expected to contribute as needed behind the scenes.

Internal sources within the party suggest that many BNP leaders expected her to resume regular duties from her Gulshan office. However, Tarique Rahman himself reportedly dismissed this possibility during a recent meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders in London, according to a reliable source. BNP leaders insist that since she remains the official Chairperson, her presence in the country means she is still part of politics—serving as the party’s guiding figure.

Several senior BNP leaders have stated that if her health permits, Khaleda Zia may make appearances at important party events in the future. Even if not physically present, she could join virtually. Party members hope she will become politically active again. In the absence of the Acting Chairman in the country, she is expected to play her role by providing advice and direction to the party, as she has done in recent years.

BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad said, “We hope that if Allah blesses our leader with good health, she will once again lead in democracy and politics.”

Political analysts believe that Khaleda Zia’s return after medical treatment abroad may help smooth the path to democratic transition in the country. They emphasize that democracy cannot function without elections. However, in the current political context, there is a sense of uncertainty and complexity surrounding elections among political parties. In such a scenario, Khaleda Zia’s presence could help ease the crisis. She is seen as a widely respected and accepted leader who has long struggled for democracy, and her return is likely to intensify the demand for national elections.