BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is currently not fit to travel by air, according to the latest assessment of the medical board treating her at the capital’s Evercare Hospital.

Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, one of her physicians, said on Saturday that Khaleda’s travel to London for advanced treatment will be delayed until she is medically declared fit to fly by an air ambulance.

Some senior BNP leaders, however, said an air ambulance might arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday if she becomes fit to fly, and she could be taken to London on Wednesday.

A doctor from the medical board, wishing anonymity, said on Saturday evening that Khaleda’s condition has slightly improved but she is still not able to travel.

“Her condition is better than before, but not good enough for travel. We cannot say yet when she will be able to fly. The board is hopeful she will eventually be able to go abroad for advanced treatment,” he said.

The doctor said Khaleda is given sleeping medication daily and she sometimes tries to speak. “She underwent an endoscopy on Friday, and some of her vital parameters have shown slight improvement.”

He also said Dr Zubaida Rahman, Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, has been closely coordinating with the medical board.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury has been maintaining regular contact with Qatari authorities regarding the air ambulance.

“We will request the air ambulance once the medical board gives final approval to take her to London. The Qatar government is fully prepared to provide it at any moment,” he said on Saturday evening.

Earlier in the afternoon, Dr Zahid briefed reporters outside Evercare Hospital about Khaleda’s condition.

He said the air ambulance could not arrive on Friday due to technical issues.

Dr Zahid went on to say, “It is true that the air ambulance could not come because of a technical fault. At the same time, the medical board made an urgent decision that she should not fly in her condition at that moment. This has delayed the plan to take her abroad. In the coming days too, her physical condition will determine when she can be taken abroad.”

Dr Zahid said an air ambulance is always ready, but Khaleda’s proper treatment and safety are the top priority.

“Local and foreign doctors — from the UK, USA and China — are working together on her treatment,” he noted.

He also said the medical board members have been treating Khaleda for the past six years under very challenging circumstances

Khaleda’s London trip to be delayed until she’s fit: Dr Zahid

“Whenever she becomes fit, she will fly. We are fully prepared to take her abroad. But the decision depends entirely on when the board feels she is physically stable enough for safe transfer. A 12 to 14-hour flight at high altitude can cause major physical stress, which a sick patient may not tolerate. So please do not be confused by any misinformation," he said.

Dr Zahid urged people not to pay attention to rumours circulating on social media.

“Out of respect and affection for the leader, I request everyone to avoid spreading or believing anything beyond the facts,” he said.

Zahid expressed hope that Khaleda will recover again with prayers and proper care.

“She has recovered from even worse situations before with Allah’s mercy and everyone’s prayers. We are hopeful she will recover this time too,” he said.

The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications.

Khaleda’s treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved.

Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to stand beside ailing Khaleda

Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly.

On Wednesday, the board reviewed her latest test reports and recommended taking her abroad for treatment.

She was initially expected to leave for London on Friday, but BNP later said the plan was delayed due to the air ambulance’s technical problems and her unfit physical condition.