Fri Dec 05 10:35:54 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Former Bangladesh PM Zia’s Medical Trip Delayed

Dhaka, Bangladesh – December 5, 2025: The planned medical evacuation of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment has been postponed until Sunday, December 7th. The delay is due to logistical issues preventing a Qatar-provided air ambulance from reaching Dhaka as scheduled, according to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The 80-year-old leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been hospitalized since November 23rd and is currently in critical condition in the Coronary Care Unit of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. A medical board, including both Bangladeshi and foreign doctors, has recommended the trip to London.

The air ambulance, a special aircraft provided by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is now expected to arrive on Saturday. If Zia’s health permits and the medical board approves, she will depart for London on Sunday.

Accompanying Zia will be her daughter-in-law, Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who has been living in self-exile in London since 2008. Tarique Rahman continues to lead the party virtually due to reasons preventing his return to Bangladesh.

A contingent of 14 individuals, including family members, doctors, security personnel and aides, will also travel with Ms. Zia. Preparations are underway for her transportation from the hospital to the airport, with military and air force helicopters having conducted landing tests on the hospital rooftop.

Across Bangladesh, BNP supporters held prayers after Friday Jumma prayers, seeking Ms. Zia’s speedy recovery.

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