Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returns – Call for Democratic Election in sight? 

Bangladesh is looking forward to having the Democratic elections soon as Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has arrived in her country after months of medical treatment in London. The BNP leader’s return signifies a shift towards elections that must be determined by the interim government who took over the distorted country after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

Khaleda Zia, the first Woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh has returned to Dhaka on 6 May with the warm welcome of the party followers and the public who gathered to greet the former PM. A critical focal point in Bangladesh political environment now as the Interim government must decide on an election date upon the arrival of Zia. 

The Interim Government in Bangladesh is headed by Nobel Prize Laureate Muhammed Yunus, and will be gathered to discuss the future of democratic elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the archrival and opposition party leader of Zia was ousted by student led protest that led her to resign her post and fled to India, also resulting in an Interim rule in Bangladesh. 

Khaleda Zia, who served as the Prime Minister of the country thrice was accused on fund embezzlement from charitable trusts in 2018 and convicted for 17 years of prison, during the ruling period of Sheikh Hasina which was seen majorly as a political ploy. 

Bangladesh Supreme Court in January 2025 acquitted Khaleda Zia from the charges and overturned a 10 year sentence, freeing the Bangladesh National Party leader. She also dodged another high – profile fraudulent case. 

The Bangladesh authorities have pledged to decide on an election date that can be expected either by December 2025 or in June 2026, based on the reforms and political milieu of the nation.