United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, will not be flown to London for the time being as her health has not improved sufficiently for travel. A member of her medical board, wishing anonymity, told UNB on Monday (December 08, 2025) that Khaleda Zia’s recovery is still not at the level needed for an air trip. “Whenever one complication improves, another appears. While one health parameter is under control, another rises,” the doctor said. He said while her long-standing liver complication is being managed, the medical board remains concerned about her kidney problem. “So, our medical team has decided not to send her abroad until her condition improves further.” Read more: Khaleda’s London medical trip 'depends on her health condition' Khaleda Zia, 80, has been treated at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) on November 27 due to multiple health complications. Her treatment is supervised by a board led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, including specialists from Evercare Hospital and from the UK, USA, and China. The former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver, lung, heart, and eye problems. Currently, a medical board of around two dozen local and foreign specialists meets daily at Evercare to adjust her treatment. Another board member said her health is not worsening, but she is still at risk. “Advanced care is being given in the CCU. Each night, the board reviews her condition. Specialists discuss individual issues, adjust medications, change doses, or stop and restart medicines as needed.” He said Khaleda’s daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, attends the board meetings in person while meals are sent daily from her Gulshan home as advised by the doctors. Read more: Air ambulance delay likely to push Khaleda Zia’s London travel to Sunday Air Ambulance Not Arriving Tuesday The air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar to fly Khaleda Zia to London will not arrive on Tuesday either as the operator has asked to cancel its previously approved landing at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said Germany-based FAI Aviation Group submitted a formal request through a local agency to withdraw its earlier landing slot. Earlier, CAAB had approved the ambulance to land in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The BNP had planned to fly Khaleda Zia to London on Friday for advanced treatment in a special air ambulance from Qatar. However, the flight was first delayed due to a “technical issue,” and later the Qatari embassy said the Emir’s special ambulance would not come and promised a replacement aircraft from Germany. BNP has not yet confirmed when the new air ambulance will arrive or when Khaleda Zia will be flown to London. Read more: Khaleda’s London trip to be delayed until she’s fit: Dr Zahid

The medical board treating BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is hopeful that she may recover in Bangladesh with proper treatment, even without being taken abroad. A doctor from the board, wishing anonymity, said on Sunday night (December 07, 2025) that her condition has slightly improved. “Madam is better than before. We are trying our best to treat her here. We believe she can recover with treatment in the country. She has been in more critical condition before and still recovered. It may not be necessary to take her to London,” he said. The physician also said several of Khaleda’s health parameters are improving. “CT scans, ECG and a few other tests were done on Sunday, and the results came back better.” Asked how long she will remain in the CCU, he said it depends on her physical improvement. “Local and foreign doctors are ensuring the best treatment. “Her daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman is coordinating treatment at her bedside. She will stay in Bangladesh for several more days.” Read more: No compromise with terrorism, extortion, drugs: Mirza Abbas The doctor also said Khaleda tries to speak at times with her family members. “Her younger brother, his wife and her two daughters-in-law have been constantly by her side.” Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury said on Sunday night that Khaleda will be taken to London as soon as the medical board makes the final decision. “The Qatar government will arrange an air ambulance whenever needed. This is not a problem. We are waiting for the board’s decision. With everyone’s prayers, we hope she will overcome this. If the board decides, she will be taken to London for advanced treatment. The hospital in London will be chosen later,” he said. Last Thursday, the medical board advised that she should be taken to the UK for advanced treatment. Read more: BNP to review NEIR policy if voted to power: Amir Khosru It was announced that, like in January, she would be flown to London on a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. The air ambulance was expected to take her on Friday morning. However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday that the air ambulance could not arrive due to technical issues. As per his announcement, the air ambulance was expected to reach Dhaka on Saturday, but it did not arrive on Sunday either. When it will come remains uncertain. As usual, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, visited Evercare Hospital on Sunday afternoon to see Khaleda Zia. Dr Zubaida is also a member of Khaleda Zia’s medical board. She arrived in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on Friday morning. She has since been closely monitoring Khaleda’s condition. Even when staying at her Dhanmondi residence, she receives updates on her mother-in-law over the phone, said Atiqur Rahman Rumon of the BNP Media Cell. 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. Her treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, which includes doctors from Evercare Hospital as well as specialists from the UK, USA and China. Read more: 10 injured in Gazipur-1 over BNP nomination dispute

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, visited Evercare Hospital on Saturday afternoon (December 06, 2025) to be by the side of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment there for the past two weeks. Atiqur Rahman Rumon, a member of the BNP Media Cell, said Zubaida reached the hospital at around 3:38pm after spending some time with her mother at their Dhanmondi residence, Mahbub Bhaban. “She is now in the CCU, staying by Begum Khaleda Zia’s bedside,” Rumon said. He said Zubaida returned to her father’s Dhanmondi home late on Wednesday night, where her mother, Syeda Iqbal Mandu Banu, is also staying. Read more: Zubaida goes to Evercare again at night Zubaida arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning from London on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. She went straight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Evercare Hospital to see the BNP chief. Since her arrival, she has attended several meetings with members of Khaleda Zia’s medical board. Although she had been joining earlier meetings virtually, she met the board members in person for the first time on Friday. Rumon said Zubaida has been closely monitoring Khaleda Zia’s condition round the clock. “Even when she goes home, she stays in constant touch with the doctors by phone to stay updated about her mother-in-law’s health.” Read more: Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure 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. 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: Tarique Rahman may return home anytime: Amir Khosru

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 Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for London for advanced medical treatment is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning (December 05, 2025), as the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, according to party sources. Besides, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK in the special aircraft. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon (December 04), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that ‘some technical problems’ have arisen which could delay its arrival. Read more: Who’re accompanying Khaleda Zia to London? BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman is scheduled to fly from London around 6pm local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, Rumon said Zubaida will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with the BNP Chairperson. Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition continuously through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old three-time former prime minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said Tarique and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Zubaida Rahman set to fly to Dhaka to accompany ailing Khaleda to London “She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda during the trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May in the same aircraft. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter and then she will board the air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid

A total of 15 people will accompany BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on her flight to London, scheduled to depart early Friday, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan today (Thursday, December 04). Those accompanying the former prime minister include her daughter-in-law Syeda Shameela Rahman; Adviser to the chairperson Dr Mohammad Anamul Haque Choudhury; physicians Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, Fakhruddin Mohammad Siddiqui, Md Shahabuddin Talukder, Nooruddin Ahmad, Md Zafor Iqbal, Mohammad Al Mamun, and UK-based specialist Dr Richard Beale; SSF officials Hasan Shahriar Iqbal and Syed Samin Mahfuz; acting chairman’s assistant Md Abdul Hai Mollick; assistant private secretary Md Masuder Rahman; and housemaids Fatema Begum and Rupa Sikdar. Khaleda Zia has been receiving intensive treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital since her admission on November 23. She remains in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) due to multiple complications involving her liver, kidneys and heart. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to UK for advanced treatment: Fakhrul A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with specialists from both home and abroad, has been overseeing her treatment. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party chief may be flown to the United Kingdom early Friday on a royal air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. “You have already heard that we have received a highly advanced air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, on his own initiative and out of his generosity. It will arrive here tonight and, most likely, very early in the morning, they will take our leader Begum Khaleda Zia to the United Kingdom,” he said during a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Read more: Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment, either at midnight on Thursday or Friday morning, her personal physician and party standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain said on Thursday. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. “She will be taken to London by a Qatar Royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda Zia during her trip to the UK. Qatar air ambulance set to fly Khaleda to London: BNP Adviser Regarding her current health condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly following the recommendations of the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us,” he added. Dr Zahid sought prayers from the nation for her quick recovery. BNP sources said the Emir of Qatar has assured full cooperation in facilitating her transfer abroad. All arrangements have been completed to bring an air ambulance from Qatar to take Khaleda Zia to London for better treatment, said BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Amanul Haq Chowdhury. On January 8, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on May 6by the air special ambulance. The former prime minister has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27, where she is still under close monitoring. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. Prayers nationwide on Friday for Khaleda Zia’s recovery: Rizvi A medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is supervising her treatment with support from specialist physicians. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety.

Prayers and special munajat seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held in every mosque across the country on Friday (December 05, 2025), said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. “Arrangements have been made at all mosques nationwide to pray for her swift recovery. The people of other faiths will also offer prayers for her healing at their respective places of worship,” he told a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Thursday morning (December 04, 2025). Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health Rizvi said Khaleda Zia has been enduring illness amid various forms of repression, and he urged people across the country to pray for her wellbeing. He also announced that the BNP’s “Desh Garar Karmasuchi” (Nation-Building Programme) will begin on December 7, with the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joining virtually. Speaking about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Rizvi said, “He is deeply concerned about Khaleda Zia’s treatment. As the eldest son of the family and a national leader eagerly awaited by the people, he will make a well-considered decision to return at the right time.” Updating on Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her condition remains unchanged and she is still in a critical state, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital under a medical board. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with multiple health complications. Read more: Govt urges nationwide special prayers for Khaleda Zia on Friday Her condition deteriorated on November 27, prompting doctors to transfer her to the CCU, where she continues to receive intensive treatment.

The interim government on Thursday (December 04, 2025) called for special prayers across the country seeking the speedy recovery of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Muslims have been requested to offer dua after Juma prayers on Friday (December 05, 2025) at all mosques while temples, churches and pagodas have been asked to hold prayers following respective religious traditions, according to a Facebook post shared by Chief Adviser's press wing. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ People of all walks of life have also been urged to pray individually for her recovery. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday night visited her at the hospital. Severe medical teams from the UK and China have arrived in Bangladesh to join the BNP’s chairperson treatment. Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited the Evercare Hospital in the city Wednesday evening (December 03, 2025) to see three-time former Prime Minister, former President’s wife and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He spent around 30 minutes at the hospital after 7pm and enquired about her health condition, a senior official at the Chief Adviser’s Office told UNB. Read more: Army, BAF helicopters to conduct trial landing, takeoff near Evercare Hospital Prof Yunus urged Khaleda Zia's family and party leaders and activists to be patient, and reiterated the government's assurance of all kinds of cooperation. The Chief Adviser called on the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia's speedy recovery. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman accompanied the Chief Adviser during the visit.