Khaleda Zia off to London on Qatari Royal Air Ambulance for advanced treatment

BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda Zia's personal physician Professor Dr A Z M Jahid Hossain announced on Thursday afternoon that the former Prime Minister will be airlifted to London on Friday (5 December) for advanced treatment on a special air ambulance provided by Qatar.

Speaking at a press conference outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka around 1:45 pm, Dr Jahid said a 14-member medical team, including specialists, will accompany her. Khaleda Zia’s daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman will return from London and then accompany her on the journey.

He added that Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has assured full support for her treatment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had written to Qatar on 29 November seeking assistance for an air ambulance. Qatar formally confirmed the offer today.

Khaleda Zia will be taken to London between midnight tonight and tomorrow morning, depending on her physical condition.

The 80-year-old Khaleda Zia has been suffering from multiple complications including arthritis, diabetes, kidney and lung issues, and eye problems for years.

She was released from jail on 5 August last year following the ouster of the Awami League government in the July uprising. On 7 January this year, she left for London for advanced treatment, spending 117 days there before returning home on 6 May.