United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s travel to London for advanced treatment will be delayed until she is medically declared fit to travel by an air ambulance, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday. “Her travel abroad is being delayed, and in the future, her medical condition will determine when she can be taken for treatment,” he said. Briefing reporters about Khaleda’s latest health condition outside Evercare Hospital, Dr Zahid said the air ambulance is always ready to carry the BNP chief. “But even though it is ready, the highest priority is the proper medical care, safety, and security of Begum Khaleda Zia.” He said the highest-level of preparations for her travel have been made, but her condition must be suitable for the long flight. “The doctors are closely monitoring her and will decide when it is safe for her to go.” Dr Zahid explained that the air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar has not yet arrived due to technical issues. At the same time, he said the medical board, after an urgent meeting, decided that it was not safe for Khaleda Zia to fly at this moment. “That is why her travel abroad has been delayed.” “Our medical board includes specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the US, and even as far as China. They are giving the utmost importance to her physical condition. We all want her to recover – the doctors, the party, and the people of Bangladesh,” he said. Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, urged people not to spread rumours about her condition. “I kindly request everyone, out of respect and love for the national leader, not to circulate any false news or mislead others. Please pray to Allah for her health.” “By Allah’s mercy,” he said, “Khaleda recovered from difficult situations in the past. With your prayers, Inshallah, she will recover from this as well.” Read more: Tarique Rahman may return home anytime: Amir Khosru Dr Zahid also said the medical board is fully prepared for her travel, but they will only approve it when they are confident she can be safely transferred. “Flying 12 to 14 hours at high altitude can affect a patient’s condition. We are making sure it will be safe before any decision is made.” He said everyone in the country —doctors, and people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs— want Khaleda Zia to recover.   Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is closely monitoring all matters related to her treatment, giving top priority to the recommendations of the medical board.” The party, he added, is fully supporting the doctors’ decisions.” Recalling the challenges of the past years, Dr Zahid said the medical board has treated Khaleda Zia under extremely difficult circumstances for the last six years.  Everyone has witnessed what they have had to go through, he noted, praising the doctors for handling her care with professionalism and determination. The physician expressed gratitude for both international and local assistance in arranging her possible transfer abroad. “The Qatar government and the interim government, he said, are providing support at the highest level to help ensure she can receive treatment overseas.” Read more: Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure Zahid said the Evercare Hospital authorities and all staff —whether directly involved in her treatment or not— are offering full cooperation for the BNP chief’s medical care. He apologised for any inconvenience caused to other patients and their families due to the situation at the hospital, saying some may have faced difficulties because many BNP colleagues have gathered out of emotion. Zahid asked for continued cooperation, without which, he said, it would be hard to continue her treatment smoothly. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman is also present in Dhaka, actively assisting in Khaleda Zia’s treatment. Khaleda 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. 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. Read more: Qatar Emir’s air ambulance awaits nod for Khaleda Zia’s travel