United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s travel to London for advanced treatment will be delayed until she is medically declared fit to travel by an air ambulance, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday. “Her travel abroad is being delayed, and in the future, her medical condition will determine when she can be taken for treatment,” he said. Briefing reporters about Khaleda’s latest health condition outside Evercare Hospital, Dr Zahid said the air ambulance is always ready to carry the BNP chief. “But even though it is ready, the highest priority is the proper medical care, safety, and security of Begum Khaleda Zia.” He said the highest-level of preparations for her travel have been made, but her condition must be suitable for the long flight. “The doctors are closely monitoring her and will decide when it is safe for her to go.” Dr Zahid explained that the air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar has not yet arrived due to technical issues. At the same time, he said the medical board, after an urgent meeting, decided that it was not safe for Khaleda Zia to fly at this moment. “That is why her travel abroad has been delayed.” “Our medical board includes specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the US, and even as far as China. They are giving the utmost importance to her physical condition. We all want her to recover – the doctors, the party, and the people of Bangladesh,” he said. Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, urged people not to spread rumours about her condition. “I kindly request everyone, out of respect and love for the national leader, not to circulate any false news or mislead others. Please pray to Allah for her health.” “By Allah’s mercy,” he said, “Khaleda recovered from difficult situations in the past. With your prayers, Inshallah, she will recover from this as well.” Read more: Tarique Rahman may return home anytime: Amir Khosru Dr Zahid also said the medical board is fully prepared for her travel, but they will only approve it when they are confident she can be safely transferred. “Flying 12 to 14 hours at high altitude can affect a patient’s condition. We are making sure it will be safe before any decision is made.” He said everyone in the country —doctors, and people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs— want Khaleda Zia to recover.   Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is closely monitoring all matters related to her treatment, giving top priority to the recommendations of the medical board.” The party, he added, is fully supporting the doctors’ decisions.” Recalling the challenges of the past years, Dr Zahid said the medical board has treated Khaleda Zia under extremely difficult circumstances for the last six years.  Everyone has witnessed what they have had to go through, he noted, praising the doctors for handling her care with professionalism and determination. The physician expressed gratitude for both international and local assistance in arranging her possible transfer abroad. “The Qatar government and the interim government, he said, are providing support at the highest level to help ensure she can receive treatment overseas.” Read more: Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure Zahid said the Evercare Hospital authorities and all staff —whether directly involved in her treatment or not— are offering full cooperation for the BNP chief’s medical care. He apologised for any inconvenience caused to other patients and their families due to the situation at the hospital, saying some may have faced difficulties because many BNP colleagues have gathered out of emotion. Zahid asked for continued cooperation, without which, he said, it would be hard to continue her treatment smoothly. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman is also present in Dhaka, actively assisting in Khaleda Zia’s treatment. Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly. Read more: Qatar Emir’s air ambulance awaits nod for Khaleda Zia’s travel

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh anytime as all preparations for his homecoming have been completed. “Who is raising questions about Tarique Rahman not returning? I really don’t understand. Those who want to talk can keep talking. But we know he will come. He will return home very soon,” he said. While talking to reporters at a hotel in Banani, the BNP leader said that arrangements—from Tarique’s residence to his office—have nearly reached completion. “The work on preparing his office is also almost done. The party has already completed all necessary preparations based on his plans for Bangladesh. So, he can come back to Bangladesh at any time,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who are spreading rumours can continue doing so as there is no harm in it, since Bangladesh always has some people who like to gossip and they can stay busy with that. “I don’t know whether there are any other motives behind such rumours… There is no point in responding to these rumours anymore,” he said. Khosru also expressed the hope that BNP will form the next government with people’s support, and Tarique Rahman will lead the new cabinet as Prime Minister. “We believe that under his leadership, we will take the country forward, fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people,” he said. Replying to a question, the BNP leader said he is not aware of whether Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, will enter politics or not. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser Asked about Khaleda Zia’s possible travel to London, he said her trip depends on doctors’ approval and the air ambulance is not an issue here. “The main question is whether she is fit for travel. We are waiting for the doctors’ decision.” “It is better for me not to comment on the medical side because these are very technical matters. The doctors who are treating her know everything, so it is better for them to speak about it,” Khosru said. He also said Khaleda’s travel abroad now completely depends on the doctors’ opinion. “They are working on that now and discussing the matter among themselves. So, whenever they make the decision, she will be able to travel, and then she will be taken for treatment.” The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Khaleda’s treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved. Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London on Friday to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly. Read more: Questioning whether Tarique is a voter ‘irrelevant’, says AG

At least eight people, including a woman, were injured in clashes between two factions of the BNP in Gazaria on Friday evening over the party’s nomination for the Munshiganj-3 constituency. Several vehicles and a private office were vandalised during the violence, prompting authorities to deploy additional police as tension gripped the area. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan visited the spot and urged all sides to maintain peaceful coexistence. The clash erupted around Jamaldi Bus Stand area in Hossendi Union. Two of the injured—Swadhin, 28, and Saidul, 25—were critically hurt and shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The others, including Shirina Begum, 46, Delwar, 49, Mostafa, 48, Sujon, 23, Asif Mir, 19, and Nayon, 26, received local treatment. Police said the escalation followed BNP’s announcement on Dec. 4 of 36 new candidates, including Kamruzzaman Ratan, central social welfare secretary, for Munshiganj-3. Supporters of district BNP member-secretary Mahiuddin Ahmed, who was not nominated, expressed anger, triggering rising tensions between the two groups. Local shopkeepers said Mahiuddin’s supporters were preparing a torch procession near Sahera Market around 5pm when they came face-to-face with supporters of Ratan—led by Jubo Dal joint convener Masum Ahmed and BNP leader Momin Mridha—resulting in a violent clash. Ali Hossain, Jubo Dal joint convener, alleged that his group was attacked while preparing for a peaceful torch procession, and that his car and office were vandalised. In contrast, Momin Mridha claimed they were preparing a victory procession when shots, crude bombs and brickbats were hurled at them from Ali Hossain’s office. District BNP leader Masud Faruk dismissed the incident as an intra-party clash, claiming locals were celebrating Ratan’s nomination and resisted “Awami-backed miscreants.” Gazaria Police Station OC Anwar Alam Azad said the situation was brought under control quickly and that police remain on alert. Earlier, Mahiuddin’s supporters blocked Munshiganj’s Mukterpur Bridge for 90 minutes in the afternoon, causing severe traffic disruption. They withdrew after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum demanding reconsideration of the nomination and warning of nonstop programmes by road and river if it is not reversed.

The plan to take critically ill BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment now depends on her health condition, as the Emir of Qatar has arranged a special air ambulance from Germany after technical issues with the earlier one. The medical board treating the BNP chief decided on Wednesday night that she could be taken abroad, based on some improvement in her condition. However, as her condition worsened slightly on Thursday night, the board will now review her situation again, said one of its members, wishing not to be named. Although Khaleda was supposed to be flown to London today (Friday), the flight has been delayed due to technical issues with the air ambulance arranged by Qatar and the slight deterioration in her health. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda will be taken on the air ambulance only if doctors confirm she is fit to fly. Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning to accompany Khaleda on the medical trip. BNP Chairperson’s adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury and other party sources said the originally scheduled air ambulance could not be sent due to technical problems. They said the Qatari government will now send a replacement aircraft, but its exact arrival time will depend on the medical board’s approval. “If the board confirms that Khaleda Zia is fit to fly, the aircraft may reach Dhaka around 5:00pm on Saturday. Even then, the doctors on board will also check whether she is fit for the journey. If all goes well over the next 36 hours, she could be flown to London on Sunday,” said a senior BNP leader. A spokesman at the Embassy of Qatar in Dhaka told UNB that a special air ambulance, being facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, will arrive in Dhaka from Germany instead of Qatar to carry Khaleda to London for treatment if her condition permits her to travel abroad. “It will now come from Germany with support from Qatar,” he said. He did not mention any specific arrival time, indicating that BNP will decide when they need the air ambulance. It was initially expected to come from Qatar. Talking to reporters after Jum’a prayers at a mosque near BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka, Mirza Fakhrul said doctors are making every effort to improve Khaleda’s condition. “If the air ambulance arrives on Saturday, and if the medical board agrees, she can be taken to London on Sunday,” he said. Special prayers were held across the country on Friday seeking the speedy recovery of Khaleda, who is currently undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital in a critical condition. Prayers were offered at mosques nationwide after Jum’a prayers at the initiative of BNP. As part of the programme, BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a doa mahfil at the Nayapaltan Jam-e-Mosque. Air ambulance for Khaleda to arrive from Germany: Embassy Fakhrul said prayers were also offered in villages, towns and districts by BNP leaders, its front and associate bodies, and ordinary people. The party also urged prayers at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship. After the prayers, Fakhrul told journalists that their party chief remains in a serious condition. He said highly experienced doctors from both home and abroad are treating her and believe she needs more advanced care, which is why arrangements are being made to shift her to a hospital in England. Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia dedicated her life to the struggle for democracy. “She was kept in the central jail for a long time, and it is suspected her illness began there. Her condition worsened due to lack of proper treatment.” He recalled that Khaleda became seriously ill during the Covid-19 period and suffered for nearly four years. “By the grace of Almighty Allah, she recovered for a while, but over the past few days her condition has deteriorated again.” Earlier talking to UNB, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s planned flight to London was delayed because the Qatar air ambulance did not arrive in time due to technical issues, and also because her condition worsened. “It was not only the aircraft issue — her health condition was also a factor. Her condition deteriorated a bit yesterday (Thursday),” he said. Khaleda’s daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman arrived in Dhaka around 10:45am on Friday on a flight from London. From the airport, she rushed to Evercare Hospital to be by her mother-in-law’s side. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said she left Evercare Hospital at 2:47pm for her parental home. “She came straight to Evercare from London and was at Khaleda Zia’s bedside. She also met doctors to discuss Madam’s latest health condition,” he said. Later, Rumon said, she went to her father’s house in Dhanmondi, where her mother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu lives. The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple complications. As of Friday evening, her health remains unchanged under close supervision, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Zubaida visits Dhanmondi parental home after seeing ailing Khaleda Her treatment is being carried out under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar, including both local and international specialists. Earlier this year, on January 8, Khaleda was flown to London in a Qatari air ambulance for advanced treatment and received care at London Clinic.  She returned to Bangladesh four months later, on May 6, in the same air ambulance.    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said on Friday that though fascists have temporarily left the country, fascism itself has not yet departed. He made the remarks while addressing a Chattogram divisional rally, organized by eight Islamic parties, at the historic Lal Dighi Maidan. Shafiqur laid stress that no form of fascism will be tolerated in the country and anyone attempting to revive it will face strict resistance. “We do not seek victory for the eight parties alone; we aspire for the victory of 180 million people,” the Jamaat leader said. “This victory will be achieved through the Qur’an. From the villages, the trumpet of victory will sound. The future Bangladesh will be a Qur’an-based Bangladesh.” Addressing the mammoth rally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque stressed the need to implement a Qur’an-based economic system in the country. “We want to establish rights and ownership through the Qur’an,” he said, adding that the era of ‘Sonar (golden) Bangladesh’ and ‘Digital Bangladesh’ has passed; now they (eight-party) want to see an ‘Al-Qur’an Bangladesh.’ Warning of the ongoing conspiracies centring the national election, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Faizul Karim said these conspiracies must be exposed and the interim government should conduct elections promptly. ‘Eight-party alliance’ fighting for people’s victory: Jamaat Ameer The rally began around 1:45pm, with party leaders and activists marching in processions carrying banners and festoons toward Lal Dighi Maidan. Leaders from Jamaat, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlish, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Khelafat Andolan, and Bangladesh Development Party, among others, participated in the rally.

After spending time at her ailing mother-in-law Khaleda Zia’s bedside at Evercare Hospital, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, went to her late father’s residence, Mahbub Bhaban, in Dhanmondi on Friday. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said she left Evercare Hospital at 2:47pm for her parental house. “She came straight from London and was at Khaleda Zia’s bedside at the hospital. She also met doctors to discuss Madam’s latest health condition,” he said. Later, Rumon said, Zubaida went to her father’s house in Dhanmondi, where her mother Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu lives. He said Zubaida will return to the hospital again in the evening to stay beside Khaleda. Zubaida arrived in Dhaka at 10:43am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London, having left Heathrow Airport at 6:53pm on Thursday (London time). When she went to Evercare Hospital to be with her ailing mother-in-law, a large crowd of BNP leaders and supporters gathered outside the hospital to greet her, raising slogans in support of Khaleda Zia. She was scheduled to accompany Khaleda back to London on a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. Zubaida reaches Dhaka, rushes to Evercare to see Khaleda However, the flight has been delayed due to technical issues with the air ambulance and a slight deterioration in Khaleda’s health on Thursday night. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB that Khaleda is now unlikely to fly before Sunday. “Because of a technical fault, the air ambulance is not arriving today. If everything goes well, it may reach Dhaka on Saturday. If Madam’s condition allows and the medical board agrees, she will fly on December 7 (Sunday), Insha’Allah,” Fakhrul said. Dr Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda’s treatment, had been monitoring her condition from London through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia remains under close observation in the Critical Care Unit at Evercare Hospital, with complications involving her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said all arrangements have already been made for her treatment at London Bridge Hospital once she is flown out.

Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman on Friday said it is “irrelevant” to debate whether BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman is a Bangladeshi voter, despite his intention to contest the national election. “Since he has sought to run in the election, it must be assumed he is a citizen and a voter of Bangladesh,” he told reporters after attending the founding anniversary of Haji Kalyan Sangstha at the Shailkupa Government Degree College ground in Jhenaidah. Responding to a question, the AG said the trial of the July massacre is progressing, and that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure quick justice, leaving no scope for disruption or delay. The programme, organised by Haji Kalyan Sangstha, was presided over by its president, Alhaj Lutfor Rahman Tulu.

Special prayers were held across the country on Friday, seeking the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital in the capital in a critical condition. The prayers were offered at mosques across Bangladesh after Jum’a prayers at the initiative of BNP. As part of the programme, BNP leaders, including its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a doa mahfil at the Nayapaltan Jam-e-Mosque after the Jum’a prayers. Fakhrul said prayers were also held in villages, towns and districts nationwide by BNP, its front and associate bodies, as well as ordinary people. The party also urged prayer offerings at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship for her recovery. After the prayers, Mirza Fakhrul told journalists that their party chief remains in a serious condition. He said an air ambulance provided by Qatar is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday. “She will be flown to London for better treatment only if the doctors confirm she is fit to fly” The BNP leader said highly experienced doctors from both home and abroad are treating her and believe she needs more advanced care, which is why arrangements are being made to shift her to a hospital in England. Khaleda Zia’s flight uncertain before Sunday; her condition worsens slightly Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia dedicated her life to the struggle for democracy. “She was kept in the central jail for a long time, and it is suspected her illness began there. Her condition worsened due to the lack of proper treatment.” He recalled that Khaleda became severely ill during the Covid-19 period and suffered for nearly four years. “By the grace of Almighty Allah, she recovered for a while, but over the past few days her condition has deteriorated again." Earlier talking to UNB, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s planned flight to London was delayed because the Qatar air ambulance did not arrive in time due to technical issues and her condition also worsened. “It was not only the aircraft issue — her health condition was also a factor. Her condition deteriorated a bit yesterday (Thursday),” he said.

Bangladesh Labour Party on Friday formally announced ending its 20-year-long political alliance with the BNP, citing repeated neglect and broken promises by the major party. The decision was taken at a National Executive Committee meeting chaired by Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran at the party’s Nayapaltan office. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Iran said the Labour Party has been a loyal and active partner of the BNP in various alliances, including the 18-party and 20-party coalitions since 2006. He said the Labour Party stood by the BNP in street movements, democratic struggles, and anti-fascist campaigns over the last two decades. “Unfortunately, the BNP has ignored long-standing political brotherhood, our joint struggles, and alliance commitments. They have broken promises to partner parties, sidelined like-minded groups, and are dreaming of coming to power alone. This is truly deceitful, disrespectful, and dishonest behaviour,” Dr Iran said. He said the Labour Party’s Executive Committee believes that through disrespect towards allies, short-sighted decisions, unethical nomination processes, and dishonest behaviour, the BNP has turned itself into a friendless, untrustworthy, and leaderless party. “Such actions have exposed BNP’s political bankruptcy. In the future, no political force will be able to trust them—BNP alone is responsible for this,” the Labour Party chief said. Labour Party gets EC registration with ‘Pineapple’ symbol During Khaleda Zia’s most critical times, when unity and support were most needed, he said, BNP’s treatment of its allies has been disappointing, disrespectful and ungrateful. “The National Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Labour Party has unanimously decided in today’s meeting that, from now on, the party will completely sever all political relations, alliance cooperation, and future joint programmes with the BNP,” Dr Iran said. He said the party pledged to continue its struggle for people’s rights, social justice, and a democratic society independently. Labour Party sources said the BNP earlier promised to share the Jhalakathi-1 seat with the Labour Party and nominate Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran as the alliance candidate from the constituency. But, on Thursday, the BNP nominated its own leader Rafiqul Islam Jamal for the seat, deeply frustrating the Labour Party.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning to be with her critically ill mother-in-law, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. She left London Heathrow Airport at 6:53pm (London time) on Thursday on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:43am (Bangladesh time) on Friday, said BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon. Upon arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Zubaida went straight to Evercare Hospital to see her ailing mother-in-law. She reached the hospital at 11:54am. Khaleda Zia’s flight uncertain before Sunday; her condition worsens slightly A large crowd of BNP leaders and supporters gathered outside the hospital to greet her, raising slogans in her support. Zubaida was scheduled to accompany Khaleda back to London today on a special air ambulance provided by the Amir of Qatar. However, the plan has been delayed as the Qatar royal air ambulance is unlikely to arrive in Dhaka before Saturday due to technical issues. Besides, Khaleda Zia’s physical condition deteriorated slightly on Thursday night, further pushing back her travel schedule. As a result, she is now unlikely to fly before Sunday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB. “Because of a technical fault, the air ambulance is not arriving today. If everything goes well, it may reach Dhaka on Saturday. If Madam’s condition allows and the medical board agrees, she will fly on December 7 (Sunday), Insha’Allah,” Fakhrul said. Dr Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda’s treatment, had been monitoring her condition from London via virtual consultations. Air ambulance delay likely to push Khaleda Zia’s London travel to Sunday Her daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, saw her off at Heathrow before her departure. Khaleda Zia remains under close observation in the Critical Care Unit at Evercare Hospital with complications involving her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources say all arrangements have already been completed for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital once she is flown out to the UK. This will be her second medical evacuation on a Qatar royal air ambulance. She previously travelled to London for treatment on 8 January and returned home on 6 May. Zubaida stayed with her throughout that period, ending her 17-year stay in London, before returning there again on 5 June. Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima have been living in London since 2008.