Staff Reporter :
Amid huge worry of the country’s people over serious health setback, the BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to be flown to the United Kingdom early Friday for advanced medical treatment.
The former Prime Minister will be aboard a royal air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday.
After taking a weeklong treatment in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital, she is being taken to London for the advanced medical treatment. The decision to fly her London was taken by medical board, consisting local and foreign specialists.
A 15-member team will accompanied Khaleda Zia including her daughters-in- law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Shameela Rahman, eight physicians and personal aids.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said, “You may already know that we have received a highly advanced air ambulance gifted by the Emir of Qatar, out of his own initiative and generosity.
It will arrive Thursday night, and most likely early Friday, and our leader Begum Khaleda Zia will be taken to the United Kingdom.”
He said all formalities for Khaleda Zia’s travel have been completed. “You may have also learned who will accompany her. A team of eight doctors will travel with Madam.”
Fakhrul described the air ambulance as a state-of-the-art facility. “It is equipped with all modern medical systems, even an operation theatre.”
He said the medical board, consisting of local and foreign specialists, has recommended transferring Khaleda Zia to a specialised hospital in the UK for better treatment, and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has approved the decision.
Seeking prayers for her quick recovery, Fakhrul said, “We pray to Almighty Allah for her safe journey and good health, and for her full recovery so she may return to us soon.”
He also called upon the nation to pray for “the most popular leader of the country – the uncompromising champion of democracy – who is regarded as a guardian by people across Bangladesh, regardless of political affiliation.”
BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan was present at the press conference.
Sources said, Zubaida Rahman set to fly from London to Dhaka last night join Khaleda Zia’s travel to the UK.
Earlier in the day, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told reporters in front of Evercare Hospital that she would be taken to London for advanced treatment.
“The decision was taken unanimously by the medical board, which includes both local and foreign specialists,” he said. “She will be transported to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance.
We have already selected a hospital there for her treatment, and, In sha Allah, we will take her safely.”
He added that several specialist doctors, including two foreign physicians, will accompany her during the journey.
Regarding her current condition, Dr. Zahid said that every step is being taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They recommended that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.”
On 8 January, Khaleda Zia previously travelled to London by a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment and returned home on 6 May on the same aircraft.
The former prime minister has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications.
As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation.
Doctors report that Khaleda Zia is undergoing intensive treatment for complications involving her liver, kidneys, and heart.
A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder is overseeing her treatment alongside specialist physicians.
The government has declared Khaleda Zia a “Very Very Important Person” and deployed Special Security Force members to ensure her safety.
