Khaleda’s departure for UK delayed again
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been deemed not yet fit for air travel to take her United Kingdom by the medical board overseeing her treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Taken her to London depends on her fitness, said physicians. Air Ambulance, providing by Qatar Emir will be arrived on Tuesday if the medical board signaled.
Meanwhile, the interim government said it is actively facilitating all requests made by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s family regarding her medical treatment including sending her abroad.
Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, one of her treating physicians, said on Saturday that her planned transfer to London for advanced care will remain on hold until doctors confirm she is medically stable enough to fly in an air ambulance.
Several senior BNP leaders, however, indicated that an air ambulance could arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday if her condition improves, with the possibility of flying her to London the following day.
A member of the medical board, requesting anonymity, said on Saturday evening that although Khaleda’s condition has shown slight improvement, she still cannot undertake air travel.
“Her condition is better than before, but she is not yet in a state to fly. We cannot predict when she will be able to travel.
The board remains hopeful that she will eventually be able to go abroad for advanced treatment,” he said.
He added that Khaleda receives sleeping medication regularly and occasionally attempts to speak. “She had an endoscopy on Friday, and a few of her vital indicators have shown minor improvement.”
The doctor also noted that Dr Zubaida Rahman, Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, has been actively coordinating with the medical board.
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury has been in continuous communication with Qatari officials regarding the air ambulance arrangements.
“We will request the air ambulance as soon as the medical board gives the final clearance for her transfer to London. Qatar is ready to send it at any moment,” he said on Saturday evening.
Earlier in the day, Dr Zahid briefed journalists outside Evercare Hospital on her health status.
He said the air ambulance scheduled for Friday could not arrive due to technical problems.
“It’s true that a technical fault prevented the air ambulance from coming. At the same time, the medical board made an urgent assessment and concluded that she should not travel in her current condition. This is why the plan to take her abroad has been delayed.
In the coming days as well, her condition will determine the timing of her departure,” he explained. Dr Zahid emphasised that although an air ambulance remains ready, Khaleda’s treatment and safety take precedence.
“Local and foreign doctors – from the UK, USA and China – are jointly involved in her treatment,” he said.
He mentioned that the medical team has been treating Khaleda under extremely challenging circumstances for six years.
“Whenever she becomes fit, she will be flown abroad. We are fully prepared. But the timing depends entirely on when the board is satisfied that she can safely endure the transfer.
A 12 to 14-hour high-altitude flight is physically stressful, and a critically ill patient may not tolerate it. So please do not be misled by misinformation,” he said.
Dr Zahid urged the public not to believe rumours circulating on social media.
“Out of respect and affection for our leader, I request everyone to refrain from spreading or trusting anything beyond verified information,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Khaleda will recover again with prayers and proper care.
“She has recovered from more critical conditions before, by the grace of Allah and everyone’s prayers. We are hopeful she will overcome this phase as well,” he added.
Meanwhile, the interim government on Saturday stated that it is actively facilitating all requests made by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s family regarding her medical treatment, including arrangements for sending her abroad.
In response to a query about support for her overseas treatment, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reaffirmed that the government is indeed assisting with every request submitted by her family.
The government also called on the people of Bangladesh to keep her in their prayers for a speedy recovery.”