BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s planned departure for London for advanced medical treatment may be delayed until late Friday morning, as the Qatar royal air ambulance arranged for her transfer is now expected to arrive in Dhaka later than scheduled due to technical issues, party sources said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters at a press conference at the party chief’s Gulshan office on Thursday that the aircraft was initially expected to reach Dhaka late at night.
Later, he said “some technical problems” had caused delays.
The timing also depends on the arrival of Dr Zubaida Rahman; wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is set to reach Dhaka around 9:30AM Friday on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London.
She will accompany her critically ill mother-in-law on the Qatar air ambulance back to the UK.
Zubaida, a member of Khaleda’s medical board, has been monitoring her health remotely through virtual consultations.
Khaleda Zia, 80, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November.
She was moved to Critical Care Unit on 27 November as her condition deteriorated.
Doctors say she is under intensive care for serious complications involving her liver, kidneys and heart.
BNP sources said Tarique Rahman and Zubaida have completed arrangements for her admission to London Bridge Hospital.
Mirza Fakhrul added that all necessary travel procedures are in place and that a team of specialist doctors will accompany her.
The Qatar royal air ambulance is equipped with advanced medical facilities, including an onboard operation theatre.
Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain confirmed that the medical board; comprising both local and foreign specialists, unanimously decided that she should be transferred to London immediately.
He said several specialist doctors, including two foreign physicians, would travel with her.
Khaleda will first be transported by helicopter to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before boarding the royal air ambulance, according to BNP officials.
The government has declared her a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP) and deployed SSF personnel to ensure her security.
This will be her second recent medical evacuation by a Qatar royal air ambulance; she previously travelled to London on 8 January for treatment and returned on 6 May.
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