Overview

• Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former prime minister, returned to Dhaka following four months of medical treatment in London, drawing large crowds at the airport.
• Her return amplifies the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's push for elections by December to restore democratic governance after Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year.
• The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, maintains that elections will occur in December or by June 2026, contingent on reforms.
• Zia's recent Supreme Court acquittals in corruption cases and her symbolic presence strengthen her party's position while Sheikh Hasina remains in exile in India.
• Qatar's Emir arranged Zia's medical transport, reflecting international involvement in Bangladesh's political landscape.