Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia arrived in London yesterday, Wednesday, for advanced medical treatment. From Heathrow Airport, she was directly taken to a specialized private hospital named “The Clinic.”

Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, informed that she has been admitted to the hospital, and initial treatment has begun. Currently, several important medical tests are being conducted.

Khaleda Zia reached Heathrow Airport at 9:15 AM local time (3:15 PM Bangladesh time) aboard an air ambulance provided by the Qatari royal family. At the airport, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman received his mother. After seven years of separation, their reunion created an emotional atmosphere. Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife, Syeda Shamila Rahman, were also present.

Within an hour, Tarique Rahman personally drove his mother to The Clinic. A team of Bangladeshi doctors accompanying Khaleda Zia handed over her medical records and recent updates to the hospital’s medical team.

The three-time former Prime Minister has been suffering from various health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney issues, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis, for a prolonged period. On Tuesday night, she left for London on a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment.

At the airport, the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, Hazrat Ali Khan, welcomed Khaleda Zia with flowers. Leaders of the UK BNP and many party members gathered outside the airport to greet her.

Party sources have revealed that after receiving treatment in London, Khaleda Zia is expected to undergo further medical care at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, USA. In October 2023, three specialist doctors from this hospital performed a successful surgery on her blood vessels in Dhaka. According to her doctors, liver transplantation has become necessary, and the entire process may take up to two months.

After her treatment, Khaleda Zia might return to London before heading to Saudi Arabia for the holy Umrah pilgrimage. She is expected to return to Bangladesh afterward.