Zubaida Rahman Departs London for Dhaka Amid Concern for Khaleda Zia’s Health

Zubaida Rahman, the wife of the BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has departed London for Bangladesh as the party continues to monitor the deteriorating condition of its chairperson, Khaleda Zia. Her flight left London shortly after 6 pm local time, according to official party sources.

The information was confirmed on Thursday night by Atiqur Rahman, a member of the BNP’s media cell, who stated that Zubaida was travelling on a London–Dhaka flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. She is scheduled to land in Dhaka at approximately 9:45 am on Friday, assuming the flight proceeds without delay.

Earlier in the afternoon, Mahdi Amin, an adviser to Tarique Rahman, announced on his verified social media account that Zubaida would depart for Bangladesh on Thursday. His post indicated that she intended to arrive in Dhaka by Friday morning in order to accompany Khaleda Zia on a planned medical evacuation to London using a state-of-the-art air ambulance from Qatar.

Mahdi Amin explained that Zubaida’s presence was considered essential in coordinating the former Prime Minister’s transfer. However, he also acknowledged the possibility that the air ambulance might arrive before Zubaida’s flight landed, or that unforeseen circumstances could delay her journey altogether. In anticipation of such scenarios, specialist British physician Dr Richard Beale has already arrived in Dhaka to oversee preparations. Additionally, Khaleda Zia’s granddaughter-in-law, Syeda Shamila Rahman, along with several physicians and administrative officials, are expected to accompany her during the air ambulance journey should it be authorised.

The urgency surrounding Zubaida’s return is rooted in the prolonged hospitalisation of Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past twelve days. Her condition has reportedly remained unchanged, prompting widespread concern among supporters and the public alike. The BNP leadership has repeatedly emphasised the need for advanced medical intervention abroad, stating that appropriate facilities for her complex health issues are not available within Bangladesh.

Khaleda Zia previously travelled to London in January for specialised treatment. She initially underwent assessment and care at a medical facility there before continuing her recovery at the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman. After nearly four months abroad, she returned to Dhaka on 6 May.

Her current hospitalisation began on the night of 23 November, when she experienced sudden breathing difficulties. Subsequent examinations revealed an infection in her lungs, leading to her immediate admission. Early on Sunday morning, her condition worsened, prompting doctors to move her from the Step-Down Unit to the Critical Care Unit for more intensive monitoring and intervention.

Zubaida Rahman’s journey to Dhaka is widely seen as a significant development in the BNP’s efforts to arrange urgent overseas medical treatment for Khaleda Zia. Party leaders believe that her presence will help expedite critical decisions and logistical preparations at a time when delays could have serious consequences.

Her return also carries broader political implications, as both supporters and observers interpret the move as an indication that the party is entering a heightened period of uncertainty and concern. As BNP leaders, medical teams and family members brace for possible medical evacuation procedures, all eyes remain on the condition of Khaleda Zia and the steps that may follow in the coming days.