BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has departed Dhaka for London aboard a special air ambulance.
At 11:30pm, the aircraft began moving toward the runway from the VIP tarmac and took off shortly after.
Khaleda’s physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed, “The special air ambulance has started its journey with Madam on board. We request prayers from the people for her well-being.”
Earlier, at 10:45pm, the BNP chief’s vehicle entered Shahjalal International Airport through gate No. 8. After completing some formalities, she boarded the air ambulance at 11:10pm.
The aircraft, sent by Qatar’s emir, is scheduled to stop in Doha, Qatar, before continuing on to London.
Khaleda’s convoy made its way to the airport as she waved and smiled at the party leaders and activists who had gathered to bid her farewell.
The journey from her Gulshan residence, “Feroza,” to the airport took one and a half hours. Her convoy left at 8:16pm and faced significant traffic congestion, which delayed her scheduled 10pm flight.
Dr. Zahid explained, “The ambulance will first stop in Doha, and after a brief layover, it is scheduled to reach Heathrow Airport at 9:30am local time.”
He added that upon arrival at Heathrow, Khaleda will be taken directly by ambulance to The London Clinic. “Madam will be admitted to this clinic, and doctors from the hospital will be present at the airport to receive her.”
To welcome his mother after seven years, Tarique Rahman, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, and senior BNP officials in the UK, will be present at the main terminal of the airport.
Khaleda, 79, has long suffered from multiple health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, heart issues, arthritis, kidney complications, and diabetes.
For years, her family and party members have been working to arrange her treatment abroad. After the political transition in Bangladesh, plans for her overseas treatment accelerated, and all necessary formalities were completed.
Initially, she was meant to travel via London to the United States, but it was later decided that she would receive treatment at a hospital in the UK.
This will be Khaleda’s first trip abroad since July 15, 2017, when she last visited the UK for treatment for her eyes and feet.
