Qatar to Send Air Ambulance for Khaleda Zia

The Qatari government is sending an air ambulance to London to provide advanced medical care for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Today, Thursday, Qatar officially confirmed the matter to Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this morning in Dhaka, the Qatari Embassy approved the request made by the ministry in response to a diplomatic note dated 30 November.

Earlier, on 29 November, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wrote a letter to Qatar’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Seraiya Ali Al Kahtani, requesting arrangements for an air ambulance. On 30 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently requested the air ambulance to ensure advanced treatment for the seriously ill BNP Chairperson in London.

The letter also expressed gratitude to the Amir of Qatar for arranging an air ambulance for Khaleda Zia during her travel to London in January. In that service, Khaleda Zia was transported from Dhaka to London and back in May via Qatar Royal Air Ambulance.

Diplomatic sources said that this morning the Qatari Embassy in Dhaka confirmed its readiness to provide an air ambulance for Khaleda Zia’s advanced medical care in London. The embassy informed that all necessary documents for the Dhaka-London journey must be sent as soon as possible. The documents include detailed information about the Chairperson, her accompanying persons, and the scheduled time of travel.

Later, after 3 pm, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a briefing at the party’s political office in Gulshan and said that the air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar would arrive today night. Khaleda Zia is expected to depart for London by air ambulance tomorrow morning.

On 23 November night, Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital after developing breathing difficulties. Tests revealed lung infection, and she was moved from SDU to ICU early on Sunday due to worsening condition.

Supporters of the former Prime Minister have continued to gather in front of Evercare Hospital today. At around 10:30 am, a large crowd of party leaders and activists was seen outside the hospital.

British specialist Richard Beale arrived in Dhaka yesterday afternoon to assist in her treatment. Another four-member medical team from China joined yesterday evening. They directly visited Evercare Hospital upon arrival.

Khaleda Zia’s treatment is being conducted under a medical board comprising Bangladeshi specialists, doctors from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, and specialists from a London clinic. On 1 December, a five-member advance team of Chinese doctors also arrived in Dhaka to assist with her care.

Khaborwala/SS