BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is being flown to the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment.
She will be admitted to the London Clinic, a renowned and historic hospital under the NHS, according to her personal physician and BNP standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain.
At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Zahid said: “She will be taken directly to the London Clinic from Heathrow International Airport. This hospital is equipped to provide the specialized care she requires.”
Khaleda Zia is scheduled to depart Dhaka on Tuesday night and arrive in London the following day.
She will travel in a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following formalities at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The aircraft is set to arrive in Dhaka at 7:30pm on Monday and will depart with Khaleda Zia at 10pm on Tuesday.
The emir of Qatar has provided a royal fleet air ambulance in light of Khaleda Zia’s critical condition.
The aircraft will be staffed by four doctors and paramedics from Qatar’s royal medical team.
Accompanying her from Dhaka will be six members of her medical board: Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, Professor FM Siddique, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, and Dr Mohammad Al Mamun.
Additionally, Khaleda Zia will be joined by her younger son’s wife, Syeda Sharmila Rahman, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Executive Committee member Tabith Awal, her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, and several personal staff members.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been battling a series of serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, kidney problems, and complications arising from Covid-19.
Dr Zahid said: “She underwent a TIPS procedure (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) for her liver condition, but certain technical adjustments are still required. Additionally, she has multiple heart blockages—only life-saving measures could be taken earlier due to her fragile condition. These blockages, along with her chronic kidney disease and post-COVID complications, now need comprehensive attention.”
Dr Zahid expressed gratitude for the medical care Khaleda Zia has already received in Bangladesh, saying: “The team at Evercare Hospital did their utmost, and there is no dissatisfaction from the chairperson, her family, or the party. However, further evaluation and treatment in London will aim to address remaining issues.”
On behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and the party’s standing committee, Dr Zahid requested prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.
“Her family also seeks prayers for her successful treatment and safe return, with the infinite mercy of Allah,” he added.