NN Online:
BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is expected to travel to London for advanced medical treatment, contingent upon her health remaining stable and no new complications emerging. Her departure is expected to take place as soon as possible.
Confirming the matter, Khaleda Zia’s Personal Physician and Member of BNP’s Standing Committee Professor Dr AZM Jahid Hossain told the New Nation on Sunday, “Begum Zia may travel to London for advanced treatment as soon as possible. While nothing is final yet, this is the kind of plan we are considering.”
On Thursday, Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal postponed its planned gathering of freedom fighters which was initially scheduled for Saturday, due to the illness of Khaleda Zia.
Khaleda Zia is suffering from liver cirrhosis, and doctors have advised that she requires a liver transplant. Additionally, the 79-year-old former prime minister has been battling several health complications for a long time, including heart disease, lung issues, kidney problems, arthritis, and diabetes.
On October 29, Khaleda Zia’s Personal Physician Dr AZM Jahid Hossain informed the media that she would first be flown to London for advanced treatment aboard a “long-distance specialised air ambulance.” Afterward, she is expected to be transferred to a multidisciplinary medical centre in another country, which is believed to be the United States.
On October 30, Interim Government’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain informed the media that Khaleda Zia will be travelling to the United Kingdom, and the ministry will assist her in obtaining the necessary visa. Among the travelers are Begum Zia’s family members and her personal assistants.
On July 16, 2017, Khaleda Zia traveled to London while facing arrest warrants in multiple cases. She returned to Bangladesh on October 18 of the same year. During her stay in the UK, she received medical treatment from Dr Hadley Barry.
On February 8, 2018, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned after being sentenced in a corruption case related to the Zia Orphanage Trust. In March 2020, the then-Awami League government granted her temporary release on conditional bail through an executive order. Her release was extended every six months thereafter.
On August 5, following a change in government of this year, President Md Shahabuddin issued an order for her permanent release on August 6 while she was receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara.
