former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment, either at midnight on Thursday or Friday morning, her personal physician and party standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain said on Thursday.
The decision was made unanimously by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
“She will be taken to London by a Qatar Royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said.
He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda Zia during her trip to the UK.
Qatar air ambulance set to fly Khaleda to London: BNP Adviser
Regarding her current health condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly following the recommendations of the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us,” he added.
Dr Zahid sought prayers from the nation for her quick recovery.
BNP sources said the Emir of Qatar has assured full cooperation in facilitating her transfer abroad.
All arrangements have been completed to bring an air ambulance from Qatar to take Khaleda Zia to London for better treatment, said BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Amanul Haq Chowdhury.
On January 8, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on May 6by the air special ambulance.
The former prime minister has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27, where she is still under close monitoring.
Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart.
Prayers nationwide on Friday for Khaleda Zia’s recovery: Rizvi
A medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is supervising her treatment with support from specialist physicians.
The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety.
20 hours ago
Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’
The government has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ (VVIP).
The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers, held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud read out the statement at a media briefing after the meeting. He, however, did not take any question.
He said the meeting decided to declare Khaleda Zia a VVIP of the State, considering her current physical condition, unhindered treatment in the hospital, making plan for her advanced medical care abroad, if necessary, her security and travel facilities and her high status.
All relevant authorities were instructed to implement this decision immediately, said the Planning Adviser.
He said Khaleda Zia's family and her party are aware of this matter.
The meeting also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of three-time former Prime Minister BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
The meeting also urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda Zia.
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.
The BNP Chairperson is receiving her prescribed treatment properly and is expected to recover, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday.
“We firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us. She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her,” he said.
Talking to reporters during a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital at noon, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment provided by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists.
Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda
2 days ago
Khaleda receiving prescribed treatment, expected to recover: Dr Zahid
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is receiving her prescribed treatment properly and is expected to recover, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday (December 02, 2025).
“We firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us. She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her,” he said.
Talking to reporters during a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital at noon, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment provided by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with several health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the CCU on November 27, where she remains under close observations.
Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda
“A medical board consisting of doctors from the UK, USA and Bangladesh is overseeing her treatment. Tarique Rahman is constantly monitoring the situation, and the interim government continues to extend its support,” Zahid added.
He urged the nation to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and avoid paying heed to any rumours. “Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and I will continue to update you on her condition,” he said.
Dr Zahid also informed that a specialist medical team from the UK will arrive today (Tuesday) to assist in her treatment. Decisions regarding whether she will be taken abroad for treatment depend entirely on the medical board, he added.
Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin
Meanwhile, the main team of Chinese specialist physicians is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka today (Tuesday) to oversee the treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
A preliminary delegation of Chinese doctors visited Evercare Hospital on Monday (Dec 1), ahead of the full team’s arrival.
2 days ago
Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda
Amid a surge of prayers and concern for Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 02) thanked people across Bangladesh and abroad for their support, urging all to continue prayers for her recovery.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, “I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia's recovery.”
Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin
He said the widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible.
“This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment,” Tarique said.
Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs.
No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser
She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.
BNP leaders described her condition on Friday night as 'extremely critical'.
The former Prime Minister has also been suffering from multiple long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.
3 days ago
Growing concerns over Khaleda’s health; Chinese team joins medial efforts
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in a critical state as her health deteriorated on Sunday night (November 30), prompting the involvement of a specialised Chinese medical team to assist in her care.
Since her admission to Evercare Hospital on November 23, Khaleda Zia has been under intensive treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for multiple complications affecting her liver, kidneys and heart.
On Sunday night, her condition worsened and she was placed on ventilator support.
Meanwhile, a five-member team of Chinese specialists arrived in Dhaka on Monday to support the ongoing treatment.
‘Don’t fall for misinformation’, Rizvi alerts about Khaleda’s health status
The delegation held discussions with the hospital’s medical board, reviewing Khaleda Zia’s condition and consulting with local doctors on necessary medical measures.
The main group of specialists is expected to arrive later, depending on her condition, said Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the hospital’s medical board and cardiologist.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Khaleda Zia continues to be in critical condition, with local and foreign doctors coordinating her care.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged all to disregard any rumours or misleading statements about her health, noting that she remains under intensive treatment at Evercare Hospital.
Chinese medical experts join Khaled’s treatment efforts
Speaking at a prayer event in Mohammadpur on Monday, Rizvi described Khaleda Zia as a ‘beloved figure of the nation,’ recalling her personal suffering, including the loss of her son while in captivity and enduring years of oppression.
“Despite all conspiracies and attempts to remove her from her own country, she remained steadfast. Today, the entire nation is praying for her,” he said.
Earlier, BNP Vice-Chairman Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan also confirmed that Khaleda Zia had been placed on ventilation support after her condition took a critical turn. The party has announced that all official updates regarding her health will be communicated exclusively by Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee.
The party has appealed to the nation to pray for her recovery and to avoid spreading unverified information.
No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser
Meanwhile, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul commented on the possible return of BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, saying there is no legal barrier preventing him from coming back to Bangladesh.
He emphasised that the decision rests with Tarique Rahman, noting the deeply personal nature of the situation, “We must understand that this is a mother-son relationship. He knows best when to come and when to take any action.”
3 days ago
Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia may be taken to London for treatment once her health shows slight improvement, said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 29), Mahdi said, “From what we have heard, the Zia family is planning to take the uncompromising leader to London for advanced treatment once her condition improves slightly with the prayers and love of the country’s people.”
He said Tarique Rahman and his wife have already contacted the London Hospital and the doctors under whose care she stayed for four months earlier this year and showed significant improvement.
Council of Advisers pray for Khaleda’s speedy recovery
“Arrangements are also being made to organise a specially equipped, state-of-the-art air ambulance for that purpose,” Mahadi said.
He expressed confidence that Khaleda will recover soon, and after receiving advanced treatment, she will once again inspire the people of her homeland, lead as a guardian of the nation, and unite everyone, as she has always done. “The hopes, prayers and emotions of the people today are centred on this strong belief.”
Mahadi said although Khaleda Zia is currently admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, her treatment is being supervised by a combined team of local and foreign specialists.”
Mirza Abbas alleges ‘slow poisoning’ of Khaleda during imprisonment
He said Tarique Rahman, his wife, and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Dr Zubaida Rahman have been maintaining constant communication with the medical team from London and providing necessary guidance.
Mahdi said Dr Zubaida Rahman has been coordinating between doctors at home and abroad. “Tarique Rahman is monitoring every step with utmost importance to ensure that there is no delay or limitation in his mother’s treatment.”
He said large numbers of BNP leaders and activists gather at the hospital every day to know her condition, but no one is being allowed inside the CCU due to infection risks. “People are expressing their love and concern from a distance.”
'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda
The nearly 80-year-old three-time former Prime Minister, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with a lung infection and cardiac complications. She is currently receiving continuous intensive care under a medical board comprising both local and foreign specialists.
5 days ago