Khaleda to fly to London for advanced treatment

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be transported to London on a specialised long-distance air ambulance for advanced medical treatment, confirmed her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain.

Following her treatment in London, she is expected to continue her care at a multi-disciplinary medical centre in a third country.

Professor Zahid said, "We have begun preparations to transfer Madam to a comprehensive care hospital abroad, depending on her health condition. Arrangements are underway to secure a long-distance air ambulance for her travel." 

He added that Khaleda would first go to London, after which she would be transferred to the designated medical facility for further treatment.

Providing an update on her health, Zahid said, "Alhamdulillah, Madam remains in stable condition under the 24/7 supervision of a dedicated medical board at her residence in Gulshan."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been informed of her intended travel, with arrangements made for the accompanying medical staff and family members.

Reports indicate that Khaleda Zia, 79, is suffering from liver cirrhosis, heart and lung disease, arthritis, kidney issues, and diabetes. 

She recently completed a month-long treatment at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital, returning home on August 21. 

However, her doctors now believe that a more comprehensive treatment plan is necessary, particularly for her liver condition, which may require specialized care available only at a select few centers abroad.

To ensure her comfort and safety, the air ambulance will be equipped with extensive medical support, with consideration given to both four-hour and 14-hour air ambulance options. 

Her medical care team is led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar of Evercare Hospital and includes local specialists, as well as consultations from Dr Zobaida Rahman in London and other experts from the US, UK, and Australia.