BANGLADESH’S former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to the country from London today after four months of medical treatment, adding to pressure for its interim leaders to hold elections.

The south Asian country has been under a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led mass uprising in August last year.

Ms Zia and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been pushing Mr Yunus’s government to hold a national election in December to return the country to democratic rule.

Under Ms Hasina, many opposition political parties including Ms Zia’s BNP had either boycotted the polls or accused the authorities of rigging them. 

Many welcomed Ms Hasina’s overthrow as a chance to return to democratic elections, but suspicion and uncertainty have surfaced in recent months about the new government's commitment to hold elections soon. 

It has said that the next election will be held in either December or by June next year, depending on the extent of reforms in various sectors.

Her elder son, Tarique Rahman, leads the party as acting chief from exile in London.

Ms Zia was greeted on her landing by senior party leaders at Dhaka’s main airport. 

Crowds gathered outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome the returning leader, amid tight security.

Thousands of supporters, many carrying Bangladeshi and BNP flags, waited along the six-mile road leading to her house in Dhaka’s upscale Gulshan area.

Ahead of her arrival, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday that her return will help Bangladesh restore the democratic process.

“This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zia’s return will facilitate the path to democratic transition,” Mr Fakhrul told reporters.

Ms Zia has served as the country’s prime minister on three occasions.