Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia has reached London, where she met her son Tarique Rahman at Heathrow Airport after seven years. The 79-year-old leader was flown to London via Qatar’s Royal Air Ambulance for medical treatment. This development has sparked speculation in political circles about her potential return to lead the party. However, the pressing question remains: Will Bangladesh’s political climate allow her to return?

Khaleda Zia’s Possible Return to Leadership

According to reports, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Mosharraf Hossain expressed hope, saying, “We expect Khaleda Zia to return and lead the nation once she recovers.”

Meanwhile, it is significant to discuss the situation of Sheikh Hasina, another former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Since the student protests in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina has been staying in India. Bangladesh’s Yunus government has requested her extradition from India, but recently, India extended her visa, signaling no immediate intention to comply with the demand.

Sheikh Hasina’s Passport Revoked

In a significant move, Mohammad Yunus’s administration revoked Sheikh Hasina’s passport. Leaders from Hasina’s Awami League party have also avoided returning to Bangladesh, fearing government actions. Arrest warrants have been issued against Hasina and several senior officials from her administration.

Yunus’s Tight Grip on Bangladesh

Both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, who dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades, are currently out of active politics. Mohammad Yunus, on the other hand, has shown no urgency to organize new elections in the country.

When Yunus took control of Bangladesh, he promised elections within three months. However, his tenure ended in November, and during a national address last December, he stated that elections might take place in late 2025 or early 2026.

Khaleda Zia’s Move to London Raises Questions

Khaleda Zia’s sudden departure to London is being viewed with suspicion. Notably, the Yunus government has withdrawn all charges against her that were earlier filed by Sheikh Hasina’s administration, paving the way for her departure.

As the political uncertainty deepens, the role of Khaleda Zia, Sheikh Hasina, and Mohammad Yunus remains critical in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape.