Khaleda Zia to be taken to London for better treatment

He made the announcement at a press conference in front of Evercare Hospital on Thursday (December 4) afternoon.

Dr. Zahid Hossain said that if all arrangements proceed smoothly, Khaleda Zia will be flown to London by an air ambulance sent from Qatar either after midnight or early Friday morning. The decision to transfer her was made based on the advice of specialist physicians, and communication has already been established with a hospital in London.

He added that several specialist doctors, along with two physicians from abroad, will accompany her. Aeronautical physicians on board the air ambulance will also be part of the medical team to ensure continuous treatment during the long flight.

He noted that Khaleda Zia’s condition has improved compared to earlier and urged the nation to pray for her recovery. He also conveyed the gratitude of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s family, as well as expressed his own thanks to various embassies in Dhaka.

According to sources, a total of 14 people—including medical professionals—will travel with Khaleda Zia. The entourage includes Syeda Shamila Rahman, widow of Khaleda Zia’s late son Arafat Rahman Coco; Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain; Dr. Mohammad Anamul Haque Chowdhury; Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammad Siddiqui; Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder; Dr. Nuruddin Ahmed; Dr. Zafar Iqbal; Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun; Hasan Shahriar Iqbal; Syed Shamin Mahfuz; Md. Abdul Hai Mallick; Md. Masuder Rahman; Fatema Begum; and Rupa Sikder.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Qatar has officially agreed to send an air ambulance in response to BNP’s request, enabling the former prime minister to travel abroad for better medical care.

Currently, UK specialist physician Richard Belle and four Chinese specialist doctors are in Dhaka assisting in her treatment.

Khaleda Zia previously visited London in January for advanced treatment, receiving care both in a hospital and later at the residence of her son Tarique Rahman. She returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after nearly four months.

The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. Tests revealed a lung infection, and her condition worsened on Sunday morning, prompting her transfer from the SDU to the CCU.