Khaleda Zia Set to Be Flown to London; Zubaida Rahman Travelling to Dhaka

Preparations are under way to fly BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment as her condition remains critical at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to several senior party insiders, she will be transported to London by an air ambulance provided by Qatar as soon as the required medical recommendations and logistical arrangements are finalised.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and a physician herself, is scheduled to depart London for Dhaka. Upon arrival, she will assess Khaleda Zia’s overall condition and, if deemed suitable, is expected to accompany her on the London-bound flight.

Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed that it is prepared to send an air ambulance should the need arise. Once consent is granted by the medical team, the aircraft will depart for Dhaka. Sources indicate that this could take place as early as Friday afternoon (5 December). A total of 14 individuals, including personal physicians, are being prepared to travel with Khaleda Zia.

BNP sources have stated that there has been no significant change in her health over the past 24 hours. Doctors describe her condition as “stable”. Her treatment is being overseen by a medical board comprising both local and international specialists, including the United Kingdom-based expert Richard Beale. Two new specialist teams from the United Kingdom and China joined the board on Wednesday.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with severe infections affecting her lungs and heart. Her condition later deteriorated further due to kidney complications, cardiac issues and pneumonia. According to party sources, she was placed on ventilation support on 1 December.

After she was declared a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP), members of the SSF and PGR were deployed throughout the hospital area to bolster security. The Chief Adviser’s Office announced that, as part of preparations for air transport, the army and air force would conduct test landings and take-offs by helicopters at an open field near the hospital between 12pm and 4pm on Thursday. The office has requested the public not to spread misleading information regarding these activities.

Khaleda Zia has long suffered from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems and chronic lung issues. Following her release after the mass uprising on 5 August last year, she travelled to London in January of this year for advanced treatment and returned to the country in May after a stay of 117 days. Since her return, she has undergone regular health examinations at the hospital.

Khaborwala/SS