United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for London for advanced medical treatment is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning (December 05, 2025), as the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, according to party sources. Besides, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK in the special aircraft. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon (December 04), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that ‘some technical problems’ have arisen which could delay its arrival. Read more: Who’re accompanying Khaleda Zia to London? BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman is scheduled to fly from London around 6pm local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, Rumon said Zubaida will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with the BNP Chairperson. Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition continuously through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old three-time former prime minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said Tarique and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Zubaida Rahman set to fly to Dhaka to accompany ailing Khaleda to London “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 during the trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by 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.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May in the same aircraft. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter and then she will board the air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday (December 02) said they do not have any specific information regarding BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to home, mentioning that he has not yet sought any travel pass. “Travel pass will be issued if he seeks. So far I know, he is yet to seek any travel pass,” he said when a journalist approached him while leaving his office – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked whether Tarique holds any passport, Adviser Hossain said he does not know about the matter. “That I can’t tell you.” Read more: No reason to contest national election: Adviser Touhid Hossain He said there are preparations and arrangements for taking her abroad (for advanced treatment) but her family and party will take the decisions based on doctor’s advice. Hossain on Sunday said the government can issue a ‘one-time’ travel pass within a day, facilitating BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to home if he wishes to come back home. “If he (Tarique) says today that he wants to return, we can provide the pass tomorrow and he can catch the plane the day after tomorrow. There is no problem,” Adviser Hossain said while responding to a question during ‘DCAB Talk’ at the Jatiya Press Club. The Adviser said this is a kind of ‘one-time’ pass which is usually issued if anyone does not have the passport or the passport expires. “It’s for once. It takes only one day to issue such a pass.” Adviser Hossain said there are no restrictions from the government side. Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin Referring to BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition, he said she is not in a position at this moment that allows her travelling abroad for further treatment. If her health improves to some extent, she will be taken abroad and the party is making arrangements to this end. “We are assisting.”

The government of Bangladesh is ready to provide any support needed for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s security, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Tuesday (December 02). Talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat, the adviser said there had been no discussion at the meeting on Tarique Rahman’s return. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ Asked whether the Home Ministry has made preparations to ensure Tarique’s security, the adviser said, “We are ready for everyone. The Home Ministry is prepared for all, and for those who need special security… whatever special arrangements are required, we are ready to provide them.” No one in Bangladesh faces any security threat, he added. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser

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.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is expected to return home soon. Salahuddin made the remarks while talking to reporters when asked about the possible date of Tarique Rahman’s return, shortly after attending a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee. He said the committee’s regular meeting focused on election strategies and plans for campaign activities. Growing concerns over Khaleda’s health; Chinese team joins medial efforts Asked whether Tarique Rahman’s return was included in the meeting agenda, Salahuddin replied, “He will return soon, InshaAllah.” He also said that Dr AZM Zahid will brief the media on all matters related to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health. The meeting, held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, began around 8:30pm and continued until 11pm. 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. Read more: No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is not a voter, but he could still become one if the Election Commission (EC) makes a decision in this regard, said Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday (December 01). “As far as I know, he is not a voter,” he said, replying to a question from reporters at a press briefing in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser Responding to another question whether Tarique Rahman can contest elections without being a voter, he replied, “He can, if the Commission decides so.” When journalists asked under which legal provision such a decision could be made, Akhtar Ahmed said, “Please check the Electoral Rolls Voter Registration Act.” Then he was asked whether the possibility of being allowed to be a voter applies only to Tarique Rahman. In response, the EC Secretary said it can be applicable for anyone. “Why are you identifying one person individually? It could apply to you as well,” he said. Speaking about the voter list, Akhtar Ahmed said the persons who turned 18 by October 31, 2025, have been included in the voter rolls. Read more: Only Dr Zahid to brief media on Khaleda’s health: BNP “We’ve finalised the voter lists. At this stage, seven fields—name, father’s name, mother’s name, occupation, date of birth, voter address and photograph—cannot be changed,” he said. After the finalisation of the voter list, he said, the Commission may consider reopening these seven fields for corrections if a decision is taken to do so. The EC Secretary said after the finalisation of the voter lists, the NID correction option may be considered if the Commission takes a decision to do so. However, several things can still be corrected now, he said. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt

There is no known legal bar preventing BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman from returning to Bangladesh, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said on Monday (December 01). “If any obstacles exist, we will certainly cooperate (with him). We will make the best possible arrangements for his security,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. The adviser said the decision to return rests entirely with Tarique Rahman. “He has the authority to choose the appropriate time. I believe he will return when he considers it right,” he added. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Responding to questions about why Tarique has not yet returned, the adviser said such speculation is unnecessary. “Many people raise questions about his return, but I find those comments uninteresting. This is a matter between a mother and her son. Is there any directive from Begum Khaleda Zia, or does Tarique Rahman have personal considerations? I don’t think it is appropriate to comment on that,” he said. “We must understand that this is a mother-son relationship. He knows best when to come and when to take any action,” Nazrul added. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt

The interim government on Saturday (November 29) said there is no restriction or objection regarding BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made it clear when he was asked whether there is any restriction or objection from the government regarding Tarique's return to Bangladesh. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about the physical condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and has sought doa for her from the people of the country. Earlier, at the weekly meeting of Council of Advisers, prayers and doa were offered for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda

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.

Urging all to continue praying for the recovery of his critically ill mother, Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said although he strongly wishes to return home and to be at her side, he is unable to do so freely because of the current political realities. In a Facebook post on Saturday (November 29), he expressed the hope that once the political situation allows, his long wait to return home will finally come to an end. “Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia is severely ill and in a critical condition under intensive care at the hospital. Citizens from all sections of the country, regardless of political affiliation, have been sincerely continuing their prayers for her recovery,” Tarique said. Khaleda’s condition not good at all: Law Adviser He also said the Chief Adviser has also offered prayers for her recovery and pledged full support for her treatment. The BNP leader said medical teams from Bangladesh and abroad continue to provide dedicated care with the highest level of professionalism and sincerity. He said several friendly countries have also expressed their willingness to provide advanced treatment support and any other possible assistance required. “On behalf of the Zia family, we express our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their heartfelt prayers and love for the widely respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, we earnestly request everyone to continue praying for her speedy recovery,” Tarique said. CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health “In such a moment of crisis, I too strongly long for my mother’s affectionate touch, just like any child. But unlike others, I do not have the unrestricted freedom or sole authority to make that happen. There is also little scope to describe this sensitive matter in detail. Our family remains hopeful that once the political situation reaches the expected stage, my long and anxious wait to return to my homeland will finally come to an end.”