The medical evacuation of ailing former Bangladesh PM and BNP supremo Khaleda Zia, who is one of the key political figures in the South Asian country, has been delayed, media reports said.
According to reports, her departure to London for medical treatment has been delayed after the special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar has not yet arrived.
Meanwhile, her elder son Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has arrived in Dhaka to accompany her to London, reported Dhaka Tribune.
She arrived in Dhaka on Friday and went to Evercare Hospital where the BNP chief is currently undergoing treatment.
BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, quoting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said the air ambulance would not arrive Friday due to technical issues.
“If everything goes smoothly, it may arrive on Saturday. If Madam’s physical condition is suitable for travel and the medical board approves, then InshaAllah she will leave for London on Sunday,” he was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.
Zia has been battling arthritis, diabetes, and complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and eyes for a ong period of time now.
During the Awami League rule, led by ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, Zia was sentenced to five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on 8 February 2018.
After initially keeping her in prison with special arrangements, Zia was later shifted to hospital care.
While undergoing treatment in hospital, she was released on executive order under special conditions and moved to her residence in Gulshan, reported Dhaka Tribune.
Following the 2024 protests, which led to the fall of Hasina’s government, a presidential executive order on August 6 granted her complete remission from all convictions.
