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. Read more: Tarique Rahman may return home anytime: Amir Khosru 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. Read more: Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure 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.” 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.” Read more: Qatar Emir’s air ambulance awaits nod for Khaleda Zia’s travel

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said there is no reason for anyone to be worried about the implementation of the July Charter as the state has taken the responsibility for it. “People across the country are eagerly waiting for the signing ceremony of the July Charter and they are curious about what’s in the Charter, who will sign it,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Zahid also said people are eager to know how the Charter will be implemented. “When the state itself finally takes responsibility for implementing a charter or a decision, I don’t think there’s any reason for anyone to have doubts or fears about its execution in the future,” he added. The BNP leader also pointed out that, although there is currently no parliament, several presidential orders are still being issued that will later require ratification by the next parliament. He said people like Abu Sayed, Mugdho and many others were part of a 15-year movement, and the July 36 uprising was its final stage, when students and people together forced the autocratic ruler to resign, leading to the current interim government. Nation holds its breath as July Charter set for landmark signing Zahid, along with leaders of the newly formed convening committee of the Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh, led by its convener Shahidullah Siddique, paid tribute at Zia’s grave by placing a wreath. The much-awaited signing ceremony of the July Charter is set to take place at 4pm on Friday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will attend the event along with political leaders and senior government officials. Asked about the NCP’s decision not to sign the July Charter, he said the commission held talks with various political parties for the past eight months, and now, at the final stage, all parties and dignitaries have been invited to the signing ceremony. “We’ve seen in the media that one party (NCP) has said they won’t take part, but they’ve also said they may join future discussions and might sign the Charter later. So, it’s not that they’re completely boycotting the process. As a political party, they have the right to take any decision they consider appropriate,” Zahid said. July Charter signing Friday; drone activity banned during ceremony In reply to a question, Zahid said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, will return home soon after her tests are completed and the medical board gives its decision. “Madam’s overall condition is now stable. She’s in a better state than when she was admitted to the hospital,” he said.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, receiving treatment at her Gulshan residence, is doing well but worried about the prevailing coronavirus situation in the country.