Khaleda Zia Not Fit for Overseas Travel

The former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, remains in a critical condition. Although an air ambulance is ready for her travel abroad, doctors have not observed any improvement in her health. The medical board has stated that due to her inability to endure long flights, her journey to London will be delayed. They have requested prayers from the public.

At a briefing on Saturday afternoon, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of Khaleda Zia’s medical board, said she has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for nearly two weeks. She was scheduled to depart for London early Friday morning on a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, but BNP reported a delay due to technical issues. Later, it was announced that the original air ambulance would no longer arrive. Instead, the Emir of Qatar will send a rented air ambulance from Germany, though the exact arrival time in Bangladesh is not yet known.

Professor Zahid stated that while the air ambulance is ready, Khaleda Zia’s proper treatment and safety remain the top priority. Members of the medical board, along with doctors from the UK, USA, and China, are closely monitoring her condition.

He added that everyone in the country wishes for her recovery, including the young, the elderly, and people of all political views. Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman is giving the highest priority to the advice of doctors. Khaleda Zia will fly as soon as her health permits, with the medical board determining the timing for her overseas treatment.

Zahid also urged the public not to be misled by rumours on social media and to offer prayers for her health. He thanked Evercare Hospital’s authorities and staff for their full cooperation and apologised for any inconvenience caused to other patients and relatives due to her ongoing treatment. Khaleda Zia has been under medical care at Evercare Hospital since 23 November, supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, which includes Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman.

Khaborwala/SS