BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may be flown to London on Friday for advanced medical treatment, according to party and medical sources. A special air ambulance sent by the Qatar government has already arrived in Dhaka to facilitate the transfer.
On Thursday afternoon, Khaleda Zia’s adviser Enamul Haque Chowdhury told The Red times bd. Com “Madam will be taken to London on Friday morning if her physical condition allows for travel. The final decision entirely depends on her health status.”
He further said that accompanying her on the flight will be one adviser, her daughter-in-law, seven specialist physicians, two security personnel, an aide to the acting chairman, her assistant private secretary, and two domestic staff.
Speaking to journalists in front of Evercare Hospital, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said preparations have been finalized to fly her out either just after midnight on Thursday or early Friday morning. He added that, based on expert medical opinions, overseas treatment is now the most urgent requirement.
The former prime minister has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital for nearly two weeks. Her condition deteriorated suddenly on Sunday night, prompting doctors to shift her to the ICU. Nearly 80 years old, Khaleda Zia has long been suffering from chronic complications including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis and kidney issues.
She was rushed to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. Doctors later confirmed infections in both her heart and lungs. However, they say she is still able to receive treatment.
Meanwhile, the interim government has called for nationwide prayers for her recovery. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced that special prayers will be held at all mosques after Friday Juma prayers, while temples, churches and pagodas will hold rituals according to their respective faiths.
On Wednesday, a medical team comprising one specialist from the UK and four from China joined her treatment at Evercare. The Chief Adviser also visited her at the hospital the same day.
