Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia remains in a serious health condition, with doctors advising against any long-distance air travel for the time being. Although preparations had been made for her transfer abroad by air ambulance, medical specialists have concluded that she is currently not fit to undertake such a journey, leading to the postponement of her planned trip to London.
Members of her medical board confirmed the development on Saturday, urging the nation to keep her in their prayers. Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, a senior member of the board, told a briefing that Khaleda Zia has been receiving intensive treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for nearly two weeks. Her health is being closely monitored, and no decision on overseas travel will be taken unless her condition improves sufficiently to ensure her safety.
According to Professor Zahid, Khaleda Zia had been scheduled to fly to London on Friday morning using a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar. However, technical complications forced a delay, and the Qatar-provided air ambulance was subsequently cancelled. Authorities are now arranging for a replacement air ambulance from Germany, though its arrival date in Bangladesh has yet to be finalised.
He stressed that while logistical arrangements are important, the foremost priority is the patient’s physical stability. “The air ambulance can be ready, but the patient must also be ready,” he said, adding that the decision to allow Khaleda Zia to travel abroad will be taken strictly on medical grounds. The board is working in consultation with international specialists from the United Kingdom, the United States and China, who are providing expert opinions on her treatment and fitness for travel.
Professor Zahid also appealed to the public and media to refrain from spreading speculation or unverified information on social media platforms, noting that rumours could cause unnecessary distress. He called upon citizens to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery during this critical period.
Evercare Hospital authorities, he added, have been fully cooperative in facilitating her treatment. Khaleda Zia has been under care since 23 November, with a multidisciplinary team of specialists overseeing her condition. The medical team is led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder and includes Dr. Zubaida Rahman, among other senior physicians.
Khaleda Zia, who served as prime minister twice, has faced a number of health complications in recent years, prompting repeated hospitalisations and calls from her party for advanced treatment abroad. The latest delay has heightened concern among her supporters, though doctors have reiterated that caution is essential to avoid any medical risk.
Key details of Khaleda Zia’s current treatment
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Current location | Evercare Hospital, Dhaka |
| Under treatment since | 23 November |
| Planned destination | London |
| Original air ambulance | From Qatar (cancelled) |
| Replacement ambulance | From Germany (date pending) |
| Medical oversight | Local board and doctors from UK, USA, China |
For now, Khaleda Zia will remain in Dhaka under close medical supervision. Her doctors have made it clear that overseas travel will only proceed once they are fully satisfied that she can endure a long flight without compromising her health, underscoring a cautious and patient-first approach during this critical phase.