BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, along with her two daughters-in-law, is set to return home tomorrow aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar after her four-month stay in London for advanced treatment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir conveyed the information at a press conference held at the Gulshan office of the party chairperson in the capital on Saturday.

However, he did not state when Khaleda Zia’s flight would arrive.

The BNP secretary general stated, “She (Khaleda Zia) will return home on the same flight she went to London, the Royal Ambulance of Qatar. We cannot confirm the exact time yet as it depends on various factors. As soon as we have confirmation, we will inform the people through the media.”

Earlier, the BNP had announced that Khaleda Zia would start for Bangladesh on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening, along with her two daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman.

Khaleda Zia travelled to London on 8 January this year for advanced medical treatment. Upon learning of the former three-time prime minister’s ill health, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arranged a special flight from the royal fleet. She travelled to London on this special air ambulance.

The party’s leaders and activists will welcome her with discipline and without creating traffic congestion, Mirza Fakhrul mentioned.

Party leaders and activists will stand on both sides of the road, holding the national flag in one hand and the party flag in another, to welcome her.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is returning home after four months of her treatment. Naturally, there is an emotional response from the leaders and activists of the party. It is a moral duty to welcome her. People across the country are ready to welcome her. We have made arrangements so that people can welcome her in an orderly manner.”

Before the press conference, Mirza Fakhrul held a joint meeting with leaders from Dhaka North and South BNP, as well as, from affiliated and allied organisations, to discuss the preparations for welcoming Khaleda Zia.

Khaleda Zia’s security is being coordinated by Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar and Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam Shams, who are liaising with law enforcement agencies regarding reception protocols.

Khaleda Zia is set to depart from Heathrow Airport today. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will bid her farewell at the airport.

After being flown to London, Khaleda Zia was hospitalised at the London Clinic for 17 days. Later, she continued her treatment at Tarique Rahman’s residence under the supervision of specialists Prof Patrick Kennedy and Prof Jennifer Cross.