Khaleda Zia, the ailing and embattled opposition leader of Bangladesh, made a dramatic return to the public eye on Thursday, marking her first appearance in six years. The 79-year-old former prime minister, whose political career has been marked by decades of fierce rivalry with her nemesis Sheikh Hasina, attended a reception celebrating Armed Forces Day. Her reemergence has set the stage for a potentially seismic shift in the country’s volatile political landscape.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, served as a platform for Zia to reconnect with her supporters and rekindle hopes for her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after years of political setbacks. Confined to a wheelchair and visibly frail, Zia’s presence at the reception carried profound symbolism for her supporters and political allies.
Plagued by a series of chronic illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver, she had largely remained out of the public eye since her conviction on corruption charges in 2018. Her appearance on Thursday came just months after her release from house arrest following the dramatic ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to neighboring India amid a student-led uprising that toppled her 15-year tenure.
Zia’s health has been a central concern for her party and followers, who argue that her imprisonment and house arrest contributed to her worsening condition. At the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was visibly emotional, breaking into tears as he greeted the long-absent leader. “Seeing her here today is a reminder of what we have fought for,” Alamgir told reporters, calling her presence a “ray of hope” for democracy in Bangladesh.
The decades-long enmity between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina has shaped Bangladesh’s political identity. Both women served multiple terms as prime minister, alternating control of the country since the 1990s in a contentious and often violent rivalry. The roots of their discord are deeply personal and political, stemming from Bangladesh’s tumultuous post-independence years.
The animosity between the two leaders reached a boiling point in 2018 when Zia was convicted of embezzling funds from a charitable trust. Her supporters dismissed the charges as politically motivated, accusing Hasina’s administration of using the judiciary to eliminate opposition. Zia spent most of her sentence under house arrest, her requests for overseas medical treatment repeatedly denied.
Hasina, in turn, faced accusations of authoritarianism, with critics pointing to her consolidation of power, restrictions on the press, and alleged manipulation of elections. Her 15-year rule ended abruptly earlier this year when mass protests erupted, driven by students and civil society groups demanding democratic reforms and accountability.
Khaleda Zia’s appearance was facilitated by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, who took charge following Hasina’s departure. Tasked with overseeing democratic reforms and restoring stability, Yunus has emphasized the need for reconciliation and inclusivity in Bangladesh’s political process.
Addressing the reception, Yunus hailed Zia’s presence as a significant moment in the nation’s journey toward healing. “We are particularly lucky and honored today that Begum Khaleda Zia … has graced us with her presence,” he said, adding that her participation underscored the importance of unity in moving the country forward.
The interim government has also worked to create a more level playing field for political engagement, signaling a departure from the deeply entrenched divisions of the past. Analysts see Zia’s reappearance as a strategic move to energize the BNP and build momentum ahead of anticipated elections under Yunus’s transitional leadership.
For BNP loyalists, Zia’s public return represents a resurgence of hope. More than two dozen BNP leaders joined her at the event, signaling a unified front as the party prepares to reestablish its position in Bangladesh’s political arena. Prothom Alo, a leading Bangladeshi newspaper, reported that Zia’s attendance evoked an emotional response among attendees, many of whom had not seen her in years.
“Begum Zia is not just a leader; she is a symbol of our struggle for democracy and justice,” said Rahima Akhter, a longtime BNP activist. “Her presence today shows that no matter how much they try to silence us, we will not be defeated.”
The BNP has faced significant challenges during Zia’s absence, including internal divisions and a diminishing voter base. Her return could reinvigorate the party, offering a rallying point for supporters and a chance to rebuild its organizational strength.
Despite the optimism surrounding Zia’s reappearance, challenges remain. Her health continues to be a major concern, with party officials indicating that she may soon travel abroad for specialized medical care. Media reports in October suggested that arrangements were being made for her treatment overseas, though no specific timeline has been confirmed.
Politically, the BNP must navigate a landscape shaped by years of authoritarian governance under Hasina. The party faces the task of rebuilding trust among voters and articulating a clear vision for the future. Additionally, the interim government’s commitment to impartiality will be tested as it oversees the transition to democratic elections.
Observers note that while Zia’s return is a significant moment, it also raises questions about the BNP’s ability to move beyond its reliance on her leadership. “The party must use this opportunity to groom new leaders and broaden its appeal,” said Ahsan Hossain, a Dhaka-based political analyst. “Khaleda Zia’s legacy is undeniable, but the BNP’s future depends on its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of Bangladeshi politics.”
Bangladesh’s political future remains uncertain as the country grapples with the aftermath of Hasina’s ouster and the challenges of democratic reform. The return of Khaleda Zia to the public sphere is a reminder of the enduring influence of its historical leaders, but also of the divisions that have long plagued the nation.
For Zia, her appearance on Thursday was more than just a symbolic moment—it was a declaration of her resilience and determination to remain a force in Bangladeshi politics. For her supporters, it was a rallying cry for renewed activism and a testament to their belief in her leadership.
