BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be flown to London on an air ambulance for advanced medical treatment only when doctors confirm she is medically fit to board the aircraft, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after Jummah prayers in front of the mosque adjacent to the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan, he said, "Khaleda Zia is currently critically ill. If doctors ensure that she is suitable for air travel, she will be taken to London for advanced treatment."
Meanwhile, the Qatar government has arranged an alternative air ambulance from Germany to transport the former prime minister to London, after a "technical glitch" grounded the Qatar royal aircraft originally meant to carry her. Officials at the Qatar Embassy in Dhaka said the rented air ambulance-a long-range Bombardier Challenger 604 operated by Germany's FAI Aviation Group-is expected to land in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, though delays remain possible.
Khaleda Zia was initially scheduled to fly on the Emir of Qatar's medical aircraft, but the last-minute technical issue forced Qatar to secure the replacement jet. The Challenger 604, known for its transcontinental medical-evacuation capability, can complete the Dhaka-London flight non-stop if her doctors permit.
Her daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman, arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London and went straight to Evercare Hospital, where the BNP chief has been under treatment since 23 November. She met the medical board and remained at Khaleda's bedside for several hours before later briefly visiting her parental home in Dhanmondi. She is expected to continue staying with Khaleda throughout the transfer process.
BNP sources said all travel documentation has been prepared, while the family awaits final medical clearance. China had also offered to send an air ambulance, but the family preferred the Qatar-arranged aircraft as it can fly directly to London, where Tarique Rahman resides.
Party leaders said the spontaneous turnout outside Evercare Hospital reflected the "deep worry and affection" many feel for the ailing former prime minister. Large crowds of BNP leaders and supporters gathered to welcome Dr Zubaida and express solidarity with Khaleda Zia.
Khaleda Zia previously travelled to London on 7 January aboard the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's aircraft, staying first at The London Clinic and later at Tarique Rahman's residence, before returning to Bangladesh on 6 May on the same aircraft.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said doctors, both local and international specialists, have been making every effort to stabilise Khaleda Zia, but her condition requires treatment at a more advanced facility abroad. He appealed to the public to continue prayers for her speedy recovery, noting that her health remains critical and the decision for her transfer depends entirely on the medical board's assessment.
