BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been admitted to a specialized facility in London, where her treatment is now being overseen by Professor Patrick Kennedy.

On Wednesday (January 8) evening, BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, citing Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, confirmed the news. He stated that Khaleda Zia has been admitted to the London Clinic under the supervision of Professor Kennedy.

M.A. Malek, president of the UK chapter of the BNP, mentioned that Khaleda Zia underwent several initial medical tests after being admitted. He added that her primary treatment process has already begun, with more focused care set to start on Thursday.

He further said that Khaleda Zia appeared cheerful and displayed strong morale despite the long journey. Instead of taking an ambulance from Heathrow Airport, she opted to travel to the hospital in her son Tarique Rahman’s car. Malek conveyed that Khaleda Zia has sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for her recovery.

Khaleda Zia’s Royal Air Ambulance landed at London’s Heathrow International Airport at 2:58 PM Bangladesh time on Wednesday. She was greeted at the airport by her son, BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, and daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner in the UK, Hazrat Ali Khan, also welcomed her with flowers.

Earlier, on Tuesday night (January 7), the flight carrying Khaleda Zia departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:46 PM. The Qatar Emir’s Royal Air Ambulance transported her from Dhaka via Doha to London.

This marks Khaleda Zia’s first visit abroad since July 15, 2017. Over the last six years, she had no opportunity to travel internationally, nor did she meet her son in person during this period.

Notably, Khaleda Zia had been convicted in a corruption case during the tenure of the Awami League government, leading to her imprisonment. The BNP had long advocated for her transfer abroad for advanced medical care, but the Sheikh Hasina-led administration denied the request. As a result, her treatment, including surgery and related care, continued under medical supervision within Bangladesh.

On August 5, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Khaleda Zia was released through an executive order. This paved the way for her to travel abroad for medical purposes.

Khaleda Zia is currently battling several health complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, respiratory issues, arthritis, kidney ailments, and diabetes. Her doctors emphasize that advanced care and liver transplantation are urgently needed to improve her condition.