BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for advanced medical treatment in London is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning.
The special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, party sources said.
Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK.
At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that “some technical problems” could delay its arrival.
BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida is scheduled to fly from London around 6 p.m. local time on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am. Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, she will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with Khaleda Zia.
Zubaida, also a member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition through virtual consultations.
The 80-year-old three-time former prime minister has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said she is receiving intensive care for complications related to her liver, kidneys, and heart.
BNP sources said Tarique Rahman and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for her travel are complete. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam,” he said.
The BNP leader added that the Royal Air Ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities, including an operation theater.
Earlier, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain confirmed she would be flown to London for advanced treatment. He said the decision was made unanimously by a medical board of local and foreign specialists.
“She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, In sha Allah, we will take her there,” he said. Several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda during the trip.
Regarding her current condition, Zahid said all steps have been taken as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.”
Khaleda Zia previously traveled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar on January 8 for advanced treatment and returned home on May 6 in the same aircraft.
The government has her a “Very Very Important Person” VVIP and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter before boarding the air ambulance.
