Dhaka, Dec 04 (V7N) – If her physical condition permits, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia may leave for London at midnight or Friday morning for advanced medical treatment. She is expected to depart Dhaka in an air ambulance provided by Qatar.

Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed the development at a press briefing on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Zahid said that Khaleda Zia will be treated at a designated hospital in London and that full medical arrangements have been made considering the difficulties of long-distance travel. He emphasized that “no decisions are being made beyond the advice of the medical board.” The board has been holding regular meetings, and a UK-based physician has also examined her.

16-Member Medical and Support Team to Accompany Khaleda Zia

A total of 16 people, including doctors and caregivers, will accompany Khaleda Zia on the flight. They include:

  • Sayeda Shamila Rahman

  • Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain

  • Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammad Siddiqui

  • Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder

  • Dr. Nuruddin Ahmed

  • Dr. Richard John Billy

  • Dr. Ziaul Haque

  • Dr. Zafar Iqbal

  • Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun

  • Hasan Shahriar Iqbal

  • Syed Shamin Mahfuz

  • Abdul Hai Mallick

  • Masuder Rahman

Her caregivers Fatema Begum and Rupa Sikder will also be on board.

Current Health Condition

Khaleda Zia remains in a critical condition, though BNP leaders say she is able to receive treatment. She has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney and lung issues, and eye problems.

In recent days, several specialist doctors from the UK and China have joined her medical team in Dhaka, monitoring her health and offering recommendations.

Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital from her Gulshan residence Firoza on the night of November 23 for a health check-up. She was later admitted on the advice of the medical board, and her condition deteriorated afterward.

END/SMA/AJ