United News of Bangladesh

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is on her way to Dhaka to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, during her flight to the UK in a special air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London Heathrow at around 6.03 pm (London time). “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am tomorrow (Friday),” he told UNB. Her daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, saw her off at the airport. Once she arrives in Dhaka, Zubaida will join Khaleda Zia on the Qatar royal air ambulance for the journey to the United Kingdom. Rumon said Dr Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition closely through virtual consultations from London. Earlier in the day, Mahdi Amin, an adviser to Tarique Rahman, said in a Facebook post that Khaleda has shown “some improvement” and will be admitted to a hospital in London. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said all preparations have been completed to fly Khaleda to the UK early Friday morning on the Qatar royal air ambulance, which is equipped with advanced medical facilities, including an on-board operation theatre. Khaleda Zia to be flown to UK for advanced treatment: Fakhrul “A team of doctors will travel with Madam,” he added. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November.  She was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November with multiple complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart, and remains under close observation. BNP sources said Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida have already arranged treatment for her at London Bridge Hospital. This will be Khaleda Zia’s second medical evacuation on a Qatar royal air ambulance. On 8 January she travelled to London for treatment and returned to Dhaka on 6 May. Dr Zubaida accompanied her then, ending her 17-year stay in London.  She returned to London on 5 June after a month-long stay in Dhaka, and is now flying back again mainly to accompany the BNP chief abroad. Meanwhile, BNP sources said Khaleda’s departure for London may be delayed until late Friday morning (5 December 2025), as the Qatar royal air ambulance is likely to arrive in Dhaka later than planned due to technical issues. Dr Zubaida is also scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am on Friday to travel with her. At a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon, Mirza Fakhrul said the air ambulance was expected late at night. Air ambulance delay may slightly push back Khaleda Zia’s departure He later told UNB that “some technical problems” have emerged which may delay its arrival. Tarique Rahman, Dr Zubaida and their daughter Zaima Rahman have been living in London since 2008. Dr Zubaida, a former government doctor, topped the national merit list in her MBBS examinations and secured first place in the BCS (Health) cadre in 1995. She was later dismissed from government service under the Awami League government after travelling to London on study leave in 2008.  She completed her postgraduate degree in medicine at Imperial College London.  

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

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia may be flown to the United Kingdom early Friday for advanced treatment by a royal air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday. “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. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid He said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may have also come to know who will be accompanying her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with very modern facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Fakhrul said the medical board formed with local and foreign specialists has recommended shifting Khaleda to a specialised hospital in the UK for better treatment, and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given his consent to the decision. Seeking prayers from the people, he said, “We pray to Almighty Allah to ensure her safe journey and good health, and that she returns to us fully recovered.” Fakhrul urged the people of the country to pray for the recovery of “the most popular leader of the nation — the uncompromising leader of democracy — who is seen as a guardian by people across the country, no matter their political views.” BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan was also present at the press conference. Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and party Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. Khaleda Zia only VVIP entitled to prescribed state facilities: Adviser 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. “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. 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 Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May by the special air ambulance. The former prime minister has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she is still under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. 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.  

BNP on Thursday announced 36 more candidates, including four for Dhaka, to contest the upcoming national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the names of the candidates at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.  “We are announcing another 36 seats, and there are still many remaining--around 28 will be left for later. Our alliance partners’ seats and a few of ours that need further decisions will be announced later. We will announce the rest at the appropriate time,” Fakhrul added. On November 3, BNP announced a list of 237 candidates for the election and the following day suspended the nomination of Kamal Jaman Mollah for the Madaripur-1 constituency. With the latest one, the party has so far announced candidates for a total of 272 constituencies. The 36 fresh candidates are include Abdus Salam for Thakurgaon-2, AKM Kamruzzaman for Dinajpur-5, Zahidul Islam Dholu for Naogaon-5, Md Anwarul Islam for Natore-3, Selim Reza for Sirajganj-1, M Iqbal Hossain for Jashore-5, Monirul Islam for Narail-2, Amir Ejaz Khan for Khulna-1, Shahidul Alam Talukder for Patuakhali-2, Zainul Abedin for Barishal-3, Rafiqul Islam Jamal for Jhalakathi-1, Sultan Salah Uddin Tuku for Tangail-5, Abu Wahab Akhand Walid for Mymensingh-4, Mohammad Mazharul Islam for Kishoreganj-1, Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal for Kishoreganj-5, SA Jinnah Kabir for Manikganj-1, Md Kamruzzaman for Munshiganj-3, Hamidur Rahman for Dhaka-7, Habibur Rashid for Dhaka-9, Sheikh Robiul Alam for Dhaka-10, SM Jahangir Hossain for Dhaka-18, Md Mojibur Rahman for Gazipur-1, Md Harun-or-Rashid for Rajbari-2, Khandaker Nasirul Islam for Faridpur-1, Nadera Akhtar for Madaripur-1, Jahandar Ali Khan for Madaripur-2, Nasir Hossain Chowdhury for Sunamganj-2, Nurul Islam for Sunamganj-4, Ariful Haque Chowdhury for Sylhet-4, Reza Kibria for Habiganj-1, Selim Bhuiyan for Cumilla-2, Mostafa Kamal Pasha for Chattogram-3, Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury for Chattogram-6, Md Abu Sufian for Chattogram-9, Nazmul Mostafa Amin for Chattogram-15, and Alamgir Mahfuz Ullah Farid for Cox’s Bazar-2.

Another team of specialist doctors from China has arrived in Dhaka to assist in the treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The four-member team arrived at Evercare Hospital at 10:10 pm on Wednesday, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The doctors are Chi Jianfang, Yun Xin, Zhang Yuhui, and Meng Hong O. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed the doctors at the hospital.  Upon their arrival, former Secretary Abdul Khalek received them at the airport. Earlier on Monday, a five-member team of specialist doctors from China Medical Team arrived in Dhaka to assist in Khaleda Zia’s treatment.  The delegation held a meeting that day with the medical board overseeing her care at Evercare Hospital. Hospital sources said the team reviewed Khaleda Zia’s current health status and discussed necessary medical measures with local doctors.  Besides, a specialist physician from the United Kingdom, Dr Richard Beale, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 03) to assist in the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He reached Evercare Hospital around 10:30 am and joined the ongoing medical efforts for the ailing former prime minister. Since her admission to Evercare Hospital on November 23, Khaleda Zia has been under intensive treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for multiple complications affecting her liver, kidneys and heart. The medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is overseeing the treatment of the BNP Chairperson with support from specialist doctors. The board includes Professor FM Siddiqui, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Professor AQM Mohsin, Professor Shamsul Arefin, Professor Ziaul Haque, Professor Masum Kamal, Professor AZM Saleh, retired Brigadier General Professor Saiful Islam, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and Dr. Al Mamun. Specialist doctors from the UK and China have now joined the board. BNP Chairperson’s personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, said, “The medical board for Madam is being closely monitored by specialist doctors from Johns Hopkins University in the US and the London Clinic in the UK.” He said the US-based specialists include Professor Habibur Rahman, Professor Rafiquddin Ahmed and Professor John Hamilton, while the UK team comprises Professor Dr Hamid Rob, Professor John Patrick, Professor Jennifer Cross and Dr Zubaida Rahman. “From London, the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is coordinating communication with the party chairperson’s doctors around the clock,” he added.

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that despite being a national leader, Khaleda Zia built her political legacy on the streets alongside millions of supporters, not from any position of comfort or privilege. Speaking at a prayer gathering organised by the Jatiyatabadi Palli Chikitshak Association in Nayapaltan seeking the BNP chief’s recovery on Wednesday, he said, “Khaleda Zia never practised palace politics. She walked the streets with her people.” Moyeen Khan recalled that after the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, BNP supporters realised the nation needed Khaleda Zia to take charge. “From 1982 to 1992, she transformed from a housewife into a mass leader,” he said. He noted that even during imprisonment and political repression under the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia remained steadfast. When party activists visited her in jail, she encouraged them to stay strong. Despite knowing the charges against her were fabricated, Khaleda Zia still appeared before the courts out of respect for the rule of law, Moyeen Khan said. “When we advised her not to go, she replied that her commitment to the law compelled her to stand before the court,” he recalled. Criticising the Awami League, he said the party failed to engage in people-oriented politics, which is why its leadership “fled”. Hasina responsible for Khaleda Zia’s critical condition: Rizvi “Those who do politics for themselves eventually run away. I won’t mention names but the nation witnessed it on August 5 last year,” he said. In contrast, Khaleda Zia braved pressure to secure people’s rights, and for that reason the nation remains deeply concerned about her health, he added. Moyeen Khan accused the Awami League of targeting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy by persecuting rural medical practitioners he had empowered. The same vindictiveness, he said, was shown toward Khaleda Zia. He sought prayers from the nation for the BNP chairperson and expressed hope that she will recover soon and return to public life.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health is largely the result of actions taken by Awami League President and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rizvi said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is in this critical condition today because of Hasina. Hasina became a symbol of breaking promises, while Khaleda Zia always kept faith in the people and never sought illegal privileges.” Speaking at a prayer event organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in Nayapaltan seeking Khaleda Zia’s recovery, he said the outpouring of emotion across the country for her reflects the deep affection for her among citizens. “The love, respect and longing people are expressing nationwide—we, her followers, are unable to repay it,” he added. Rizvi criticised Sheikh Hasina for “repeatedly breaking commitments,” recalling that she once vowed not to participate in elections under Hussain Muhammad Ershad but reversed her decision within a day. He also accused the Awami League of spearheading unrest in the 1990s over the caretaker government system only to abolish it later. He said Khaleda Zia had accepted the caretaker government formula at the time to avoid bloodshed involving children and young people. “Hasina always insists on getting everything her way, while Khaleda Zia decides based on public interest.” Mirza Abbas blames ‘mistreatment’ in jail for Khaleda’s illness Rizvi further recounted that in 2011, even senior Awami League leaders including Suranjit Sengupta, Tofail Ahmed, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon had urged Hasina to retain the caretaker system for two more terms, but she refused. Highlighting public sentiment for Khaleda Zia, he said people across the country are praying for her recovery. Rizvi expressed hope that she will soon return to the public and lead the nation through this critical juncture.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was never able to practise civil politics and that Awami League had always been a better match for the party. “Awami League is an indecent party and Jamaat is an uncivilised one. To keep Jamaat in check, Awami League works like medicine,” Abbas said while addressing the inauguration of a medical camp at Siddheswari Balur Math. Abbas alleged that Jamaat never wanted Bangladesh to exist in the first place. He said the Razakars and Al-Badr collaborators handed over the people of Bangladesh including women to the Pakistani occupation forces. “Today those same people are asking for votes and making big claims,” he said. Accusing Jamaat of distorting religion, Abbas said, “They believe in Moududism, not in the true spirit of Islam. They only wear the label of being Muslim.” Mirza Abbas blames ‘mistreatment’ in jail for Khaleda’s illness He urged people to remain cautious about Jamaat, saying, “People of this country may not all be educated  but they are not foolish.” Abbas also sought prayers from the nation for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia during the event.      

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed has started electioneering in his constituency Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua). On Tuesday morning, he arrived in Cox’s Bazar on a five-day visit to woo voters in favour of him ahead of the national election. On the first day, Salahuddin visited the grave of Pir Hafiz Abdul Hai in Khuntakhali union under Chakaria upazila and offered prayers around 1:30 pm and began his electoral campaign. He then inaugurated the BNP party office of Khuntakhali union. After completing programmes in Khuntakhali, he took part in various activities in Dulahazara union. He also joined electoral roadshows and public outreaches in wards 2, 4, and 5 of the union. Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin In the evening, he addressed a party roadshow at Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury High School ground in Fashiakhali union. Seeking votes for himself and his party, he said that the country would be run democratically by respecting citizens’ opinions and that all communities would be included in national development.    

Two specialist medical teams from the UK and China are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to support the medical board formed to ensure treatment of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP standing committee member, confirmed it on Tuesday night. Her family and party have requested prayers from the nation for her recovery. The former prime minister has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara of Dhaka since November 23. Meanwhile, the government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and assigned members of the Special Security Force (SSF) to ensure her safety.