BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is slated to depart for London at 10 pm tonight (Jan 7) aboard a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The aircraft, equipped with advanced medical facilities, landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday night after arriving from Doha. 

Enamul Haque Chowdhury, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, confirmed the plane’s arrival and highlighted its state-of-the-art medical equipment and onboard medical team, including four doctors and paramedics.

former prime minister Khaleda Zia has been battling multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney problems. Her personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, said that the group plans to leave her Gulshan residence, "Firoza," by 8 pm, with a stopover in Doha before heading to London.

In addition to the Qatari medical team, six members of Khaleda’s medical board, including Prof Shahabuddin Talukdar and Dr. Mohammed Al Mamun, will accompany her. 

Other companions include her daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman, BNP officials Enamul Haque Chowdhury and Tabith Awal, and her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

Khaleda Zia will be admitted to The London Clinic for advanced medical treatment. 

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party members to avoid causing public inconvenience near the airport during her departure.

BDST: 1712 HRS, JAN 07, 2025
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