Dhaka,  Thursday 26 Dec 2024,
09:50:15 AM

Khaleda likely to visit London for treatment in early January

Staff Reporter ।। The Daily Generation Times
25-12-2024 06:10:19 PM
Khaleda likely to visit London for treatment in early January

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to travel to London in the first week of January for advanced medical treatment, her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain said.Zahid Hossain told reporters, “Preparations are underway for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to go to London in early January following doctors' advice.” However, he said that the schedule has not been finalised.According to BNP insiders, Khaleda Zia is likely to leave for London on January 7 via a specialised long-haul air ambulance. She will be accompanied by a 15-member entourage, primarily consisting of doctors.After receiving treatment at a medical facility in London, Khaleda Zia is expected to be transferred to a multidisciplinary medical center in another country, reportedly the United States, for further treatment.A list of at least 15 members of her entourage has been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for necessary arrangements.Khaleda Zia last visited London on July 16, 2017, returning to Bangladesh on October 18 that year while facing multiple legal cases. During her previous trip, she was treated by Dr. Hadley Barry in the United Kingdom.

The former Prime Minister was sentenced to prison in two corruption cases during the Awami League government on February 8, 2018. She served over two years in confinement before being conditionally released on March 25, 2020, following the suspension of her sentence by the government. Her release has since been extended in six-month increments.

Khaleda Zia, now 79, suffers from a range of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and complications affecting her lungs, liver, kidneys, and diabetes. Her medical condition has necessitated multiple hospitalizations, though the Awami League government previously barred her from traveling abroad for treatment.

After undergoing surgery under the supervision of local and foreign doctors in Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia was released on August 6, 2023, following the fall of the Awami League government.