Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has embarked on a flight from London to Dhaka amid growing concern over the health of Khaleda Zia, who has been hospitalised in the capital for nearly two weeks. Her aircraft departed shortly after 6 pm local time, BNP officials confirmed late on Thursday night.
Atiqur Rahman of the BNP media cell disclosed that Zubaida is travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:45 am on Friday. Her arrival is being closely followed by party members, who view her presence as pivotal in decisions related to the possible transfer of the BNP chairperson to London for advanced medical care.
Earlier that afternoon, Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin wrote on social media that Zubaida would reach Dhaka by Friday morning. He said the intention was for her to be physically present in order to accompany Khaleda Zia aboard a Qatar-based advanced air ambulance that the BNP hopes to arrange for immediate medical evacuation. According to his statement, preparations were already in progress and multiple contingencies were being considered due to the unpredictable timing of flight arrangements.
Mahdi Amin further noted that in the event Zubaida’s arrival was delayed or if the medical transfer required urgent execution, British critical care expert Dr Richard Beale had already reached Dhaka to oversee Khaleda Zia’s condition. He added that Syeda Shamila Rahman, a member of the BNP chairperson’s family, along with selected doctors and senior officials, would accompany Khaleda during the air ambulance transfer if it proceeded.
Khaleda Zia’s health has been a matter of national concern over the past twelve days. She has remained under close observation at Evercare Hospital, where doctors have been battling to stabilise her fragile condition. Despite treatment, her health is described as unchanged, heightening anxiety among citizens and BNP supporters who fear a further decline.
This is not the first time Khaleda Zia has sought medical attention abroad. In January, she travelled to London for advanced treatment and spent several months under specialist care. Her stay included both hospital-based treatment and recovery at the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman. She eventually returned to Dhaka on 6 May following gradual improvement.
Her latest medical emergency began on 23 November when she experienced sudden respiratory distress. Diagnostic tests revealed a lung infection, necessitating immediate admission. By early Sunday morning, her condition had worsened, prompting medical staff to transfer her from the Step-Down Unit to the Critical Care Unit, where she continues to receive intensive treatment.
Zubaida Rahman’s unexpected trip to Dhaka is therefore viewed as a crucial step in the BNP’s efforts to accelerate arrangements for international medical care. Her involvement is expected to assist in coordinating with medical teams, family members and international specialists as the situation evolves.
With political tensions already heightened, her return has added a new dimension to the unfolding scenario. BNP supporters are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that Khaleda Zia will be granted the opportunity to travel abroad for the specialist treatment many believe she urgently requires.
As the nation waits for further updates from the medical team and BNP leadership, the arrival of Zubaida Rahman marks a significant moment in what has become a deeply worrying chapter for the party and its followers.