Khaleda Zia Travels to London for Medical Treatment

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, is set to travel abroad for medical treatment. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) confirmed that she will leave for London on Tuesday via an air ambulance. Enamul Haq Chowdhury, an adviser to the BNP, stated that a 15-member entourage, including family, doctors, and party leaders, will accompany her.

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has provided a special aircraft equipped with advanced medical facilities for her journey. Khaleda Zia, who is 79 years old, suffers from multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and kidney problems. Upon arrival in London, she will stay at her son Tarek Rahman's residence and later travel to the United States for further liver treatment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his hopes for her recovery, stating, "By the grace of almighty Allah, the uncompromising leader of our country's democracy will leave for London on January 7 night for treatment."

Khaleda Zia, widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges, which the BNP claims were politically motivated. Her sentence was suspended in 2020 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, allowing her to return home. The BNP had long sought permission for her to seek treatment abroad, which was granted after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.