BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is still not medically fit to travel by air, according to the latest assessment of the medical board overseeing her treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday that Khaleda’s planned transfer to London for advanced treatment will remain on hold until the board certifies she is “safe to fly” on an air ambulance.
Although some senior BNP leaders suggested that a Qatari air ambulance could arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday – if her condition improves enough to allow travel – the medical team remains cautious.
They said she could potentially be flown to London on Wednesday, but only with medical clearance.
A doctor from the board, speaking on condition of anonymity on Saturday evening, said Khaleda’s condition had shown “slight improvement” but remained too fragile for air travel.
“Her condition is better than before, but not good enough to fly. We cannot yet say when she will be able to travel. The board is hopeful she will eventually be able to go abroad for advanced treatment,” the doctor said.
He added that Khaleda is being administered sleeping medication daily and occasionally tries to speak. She underwent an endoscopy on Friday, and some vital indicators have marginally improved.
Dr Zubaida Rahman, her daughter-in-law, has been in close contact with the medical team regarding her care.
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury said he has been maintaining communication with Qatari authorities about the air ambulance.
“We will formally request the air ambulance once the medical board gives its final approval. The Qatar government is ready to provide it at any moment,” he said.
Earlier in the afternoon, Dr Zahid told reporters outside Evercare Hospital that the air ambulance scheduled for Friday could not arrive due to technical issues, further delaying Khaleda Zia’s overseas transfer.
Source: UNB