Khaleda Zia’s London Air Ambulance Flight Deferred Amid Health Review

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the air ambulance flight for BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a “VVIP” operation. Following this approval, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have also granted landing clearance for the flight.

According to responsible sources at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), after receiving final approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday night, the Flight Safety Regulation (FSR) department of CAAB completed the necessary procedural formalities. With the process officially active, the air ambulance can land in Dhaka at any time.

Sources revealed that initially a special air ambulance from Qatar was scheduled, but due to technical issues, it was canceled. Subsequently, with assistance from the Qatari government, another air ambulance from Germany was arranged. Clearance documents for the new aircraft have already reached the relevant government agencies.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities confirmed that, as a VVIP movement, full security and operational arrangements have been made from landing to takeoff. Once the final route and landing time are confirmed, the relevant units will be activated.

Executive Director SM Ragib Samad of the airport stated that according to available information, the air ambulance was initially scheduled to arrive at 5:20 pm on Saturday. However, the travel date has been changed.

Meanwhile, a BNP source said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s London journey has been postponed. Her health condition has remained stable over the past few days, and officials are assessing whether she is fit to fly.

A BNP source further stated that the new air ambulance arranged through Qatar for her advanced treatment was initially scheduled to land in Dhaka on 6 December, but the schedule has now been revised to 9 December, with a preliminary departure date from Dhaka set for 10 December.

On Saturday, during a briefing at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said that the decision to take Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment has not yet been finalized. The medical board is prioritizing her health, and the decision will only be made when doctors confirm it is safe to transfer her. He added, “The air ambulance is ready. However, the decision to take her abroad will depend on her medical condition.”

For context, Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November. Attempts to transfer her abroad have been delayed slightly.

DBTech/DP/EK/OR