Dhaka: BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be admitted to London Clinic in the UK for advanced treatment as she will leave Dhaka tomorrow for London. Her personal physician, Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, announced at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan political office today that Khaleda Zia will depart Dhaka for London at 10 pm tomorrow in a special air ambulance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khaleda Zia will be admitted to the London Clinic, which operates under the National Health Service (NHS). She will be taken directly to the hospital from Heathrow International Airport. The London Clinic is known as a multi-disciplinary advanced medical center, and the doctors there will evaluate her condition to determine the next steps for her treatment.
In response to inquiries about potentially transferring her to the United States, Dr. Zahid stated that if the physicians at London Clinic recommend a referral to Johns Hopkins University Hospital, then the possibility of going there will be considered. Additionally, Dr. Zahid mentioned that Khaleda Zia might visit Saudi Arabia to perform the holy Umrah, contingent on her physical condition upon completing her treatment.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, provided the special air ambulance from the royal fleet after learning about Khaleda Zia's illness. The air ambulance will staff four doctors and paramedics from Qatar, while six members of Khaleda Zia's medical board from Dhaka will join them. The medical board includes Prof. Shahabuddin Talukder, Prof. FM Siddique, Prof. Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun.
Accompanying Khaleda Zia on her journey will be Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of her late youngest son Arafat Rahman, Chairperson's Advisory Council member Enamul Haque Chowdhury, BNP Executive Committee member Tabith Awal, and her Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with several personal staff members.
Dr. Zahid urged everyone to pray for Khaleda Zia's recovery and conveyed gratitude from Khaleda Zia and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman for the continuous prayers and support. Khaleda Zia, aged 79, has been battling various critical ailments for a considerable time, including post-Covid complications that necessitate comprehensive medical evaluation.
Dr. Zahid also expressed satisfaction with the treatment Khaleda Zia received at a local hospital, stating that the staff of Evercare Hospital provided excellent care. He noted that Khaleda Zia, her family, and party members are pleased with the treatment she received there.