Khaleda Zia returns to Bangladesh, increasing pressure for elections

Bangladesh's political landscape is shifting with the recent return of Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister, after a medical absence in London lasting four months. This return comes at a time when the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces growing pressure to organize national elections. The current political setup emerged following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising last August. Khaleda Zia, an influential figure and archrival of Hasina, has been vocal in advocating for elections to restore democratic processes in the country. Her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is eager for a national election, targeting December as a potential date for this pivotal political event. However, doubts linger in the political climate regarding the sincerity of the interim government in facilitating an election, particularly as past polls under the Hasina administration were marred by accusations of rigging and boycotts from opposition parties. Zia's arrival generated significant public interest; crowds welcomed her at the airport, reflecting her importance to the BNP and the country’s political dynamics. Sitting in a wheelchair, she was met with applause and support from thousands, driving home the notion that her presence symbolizes a hope for renewed democracy. The BNP leadership, notably secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, expressed optimism about Zia's return, stating it would aid in restoring democratic norms in Bangladesh. Zia’s elder son, Tarique Rahman, continues to lead the BNP from exile in London, maintaining the party's activities during her absence. Khaleda Zia’s previous political career has been tumultuous; she has served as Prime Minister on three occasions but faced imprisonment on political corruption charges during Hasina's governance. The BNP contends these charges are politically motivated and emblematic of the struggles faced by opposition parties under Hasina’s rule. With Hasina now in exile in India, the political balance is precarious, especially given how alternations of power have historically driven political rivalries in Bangladesh since it returned to democratic governance in 1991, following the ousting of the authoritarian President H.M. Ershad. The implications of Zia's return extend beyond mere political symbolism. It underscores the urgency within the populace and among opposition parties for a decisive move towards stabilizing the political atmosphere through elections. As citizens remain vigilant and impatient for democratic reforms, the forthcoming months may prove critical in determining the trajectory of governance in Bangladesh.