Critically Ill Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Approved for Air Ambulance Transfer to London for Specialist Treatment

Critically Ill Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Headed to London for Urgent Treatment

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 80, is poised for an urgent medical transfer to London to receive specialized treatment. A dedicated medical board overseeing her critical condition has unanimously greenlit the international transfer, as confirmed by her personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson is anticipated to depart on a Qatar Royal Air Ambulance either late Thursday night or early Friday morning.

Health Deterioration and Medical Board's Decision

Zia's health crisis began with her hospitalization on November 23 due to a severe chest infection that adversely affected her heart and lungs. Her condition rapidly worsened, necessitating her transfer to the coronary care unit (CCU) just four days later. Despite initial reports from Hossain indicating a positive response to local treatment, the severity of her ailments led the expanded medical board to recommend immediate overseas care. This crucial decision was bolstered by the expertise of recently arrived specialists from China and the United Kingdom, who joined the local medical team.

Complex Logistics and Accompanying Delegation

The intricate logistics for this high-profile medical transfer are meticulously being arranged. Qatar has graciously extended its Royal Air Ambulance service for the journey. Preparatory rooftop landing tests for helicopters were conducted at the hospital by military and air force personnel, signaling a planned helicopter transfer from the hospital to the airport. A substantial delegation of 14 individuals will accompany Zia, a list provided by the BNP. This entourage includes Syeda Shameela Rahman, widow of Zia's younger son, six medical professionals, party adviser Enamul Haque Chowdhury, two Special Security Force (SSF) agents from the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, and several personal assistants.

International Support and Political Context

International medical expertise has played a vital role in shaping the treatment plan. A four-member Chinese medical team arrived on Wednesday night, integrating with a UK medical group led by Dr. Richard Buell. This marks the second Chinese delegation, following an advance team's arrival on December 1. Meanwhile, interim government leader Muhammad Yunus, alongside military service chiefs, had visited Zia earlier in the week to assess her condition. Close family members, including her younger brother Shamim Iskandar, his wife Kaniz Fatema, and Sharmila Rahman, have been present at the hospital.

Tarique Rahman, Zia's elder son and acting BNP chief, currently residing in London since 2008 amidst various legal challenges, shared his profound sentiments on Facebook. He articulated his yearning, stating, "In this time of crisis, like any child, I too long for the comforting touch of my mother. But unlike others, to make a unilateral decision in this regard is not in my hands alone nor solely within my control. The sensitivity of this matter also limits the scope for detailed explanation." Significantly, under Yunus's interim government, legal cases against Rahman have been withdrawn, leading to his acquittal, with government advisers assuring his safe return to Bangladesh. Foreign adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the government's readiness to facilitate travel documents for Rahman, though no requests had been made as of Wednesday evening.

Nationwide Prayers for Recovery

Across Bangladesh, a wave of heartfelt prayer gatherings is taking place for Khaleda Zia's speedy recovery. Communities in cities such as Dhaka, Jhenaidah, Sunamganj, Bagerhat, Cumilla, Chuadanga, and Munshiganj are uniting in concern for the former leader, underscoring the public's deep interest in her well-being.