Ex-Political Figure Khaleda Zia Re-enters Bangladesh Amidst Significant Moment for Democracy
Title: Return of Ex-Premier Zia Throws Spotlight on Elections in Bangladesh
In the heart of Bangladesh, excitement is building as former PM Khaleda Zia steps back onto home soil after a spell of medical treatment in London. Her arrival on May 6, 2025, comes at a crucial juncture for the nation, governed by an interim administration since the student-led ousting of PM Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
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The return of Zia, who sits as the BNP's chairperson, carries immense symbolic weight for her party while Hasina, Zia's archrival, resides in exile in India. "This day signals a watershed moment for our democracy," shares BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. "Zia's presence marks a significant turning point for the country, bringing us one step closer to a smooth democratic transition."
Thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered to welcome Zia, who spent recent years in and out of hospitals. Worn out from her long journey, she sat in a wheelchair at the airport, but her spirit was unbroken. As supporters greeted her, she smiled and raised her right hand repeatedly.
Known for her political resilience, Zia faces three corruption charges - convictions that followed during Hasina's rule and were viewed as politically-motivated by the BNP. Recently, however, the Bangladesh Supreme Court acquitted Zia, overturning a 10-year sentence and clearing her of any wrongdoing in one case. Another acquittal arrived in a separate incident, in which Zia was accused of misappropriating funds during her term in office.
The Race to Reforms
While Zia has already regained her freedom, her homecoming heightens demands on the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to establish a definite election schedule. The authorities have promised to hold elections by either December 2025 or June 2026, pending needed reforms.
Yet, time waits for no one. With Zia's supporters wanting polls in December, the race is on to tackle reforms across sectors if the elections are to be delayed until June 2026.
Zia is the widow of former military ruler Ziaur Rahman, assassinated in 1981, and the first female premier of Bangladesh. Outside the political scene, her elder son, Tarique Rahman, stands as the BNP's acting leader in exile, residing in London.
On the other hand, Hasina, the last elected prime minister and daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh's war of independence from Pakistan in 1971, remains in India.
With fresh air in the political atmosphere, the countdown to authentically democratic elections is on. As Bangladesh's political landscape evolves, we'll keep you updated on the latest developments. Stay tuned!
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- The return of former PM Khaleda Zia, who is the chairperson of BNP, has magnified the significance of upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
- Zia's arrival in Dhaka on May 6, 2025, comes at a critical point as the nation is currently governed by an interim administration following the student-led ousting of PM Sheikh Hasina.
- The Bangladesh Supreme Court has acquitted Zia of embezzlement charges, overturning a 10-year sentence and clearing her of any wrongdoing, stirring debate about political motives in the case.
- As the race for reforms intensifies, demands are growing on the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to announce a definitive election schedule, with elections expected either in December 2025 or June 2026.
