Air ambulance ready for Khaleda Zia's Singapore or Europe transfer

An air ambulance is fully prepared to take BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment to Singapore or Europe as soon as her condition permits, party leaders said on Saturday (29 November).

After visiting the former prime minister at Evercare Hospital in the capital, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told reporters that the medical board has completed all arrangements. BNP Vice-Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan echoed the same, saying foreign hospitals have been contacted and an air ambulance is on standby.

Azam Khan said: “Begum Khaleda Zia remains under close observation in the CCU of Evercare Hospital. The moment she is fit to fly, she will be taken abroad.”

Manna added that doctors have informed them her current physical condition is not yet suitable for air travel. “Even so, every preparation has been made. Singapore is the first option, followed by Europe,” he said.

He quoted the doctors as saying there has been neither improvement nor deterioration in her critical condition. “They could not give any hopeful news. They have requested the nation to pray for her,” Manna said.

The 80-year-old opposition leader, who suffers from multiple complicated ailments, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of 23 November after a chest infection was detected during routine tests. Leaders have described her condition as critical.

Medical board member Prof Dr FM Siddiqui earlier told journalists that Khaleda Zia had been falling ill frequently over the past few months. “Several complications appeared together this time, including the chest infection, which is why we admitted her,” he said.