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.