The date for sending BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment has been pushed back once again, as uncertainty continues over her physical condition and the arrival schedule of a replacement air ambulance arranged by the government of Qatar.

BNP sources had earlier on Friday morning indicated 7 December as the new target date for her medical evacuation. However, by Friday night, it emerged that the date had been revised to 9 December — a schedule that may still shift depending on her health and doctors’ final recommendations.

Health Still Unchanged, Say Sources

A source aware of developments regarding Khaleda Zia’s treatment and potential transfer abroad said the date was revised to 9 December after considering her physical condition. Even so, the trip remains contingent on medical assessments, as no improvement was reported in her health as of Friday night. Her condition is said to remain largely unchanged.

Qatar-Arranged Air Ambulance Now Expected on 10 December

A new air ambulance, arranged under the supervision of Qatar, was initially scheduled to land in Dhaka on 6 December. Its travel plans, however, were later rescheduled for 10 December amid logistical adjustments.

Another Air Ambulance Secured After Technical Issues

Qatar’s Amir had originally arranged a special air ambulance for Khaleda Zia. However, due to technical complications, dispatching that aircraft became difficult. As an alternative, Qatar swiftly arranged for a leased medical flight.

Officials from the Qatar Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Friday evening.

Asadur Rahman Asad, Public Relations Officer of the Qatar Embassy, told the media that the government of Qatar had leased an air ambulance from a German company. The aircraft will arrive in Dhaka after coordinating timings with doctors and BNP officials.

Another source said the air ambulance was being hired through the German company FAI Rent-a-Jet and was expected to fly in from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. 

According to information received on Friday afternoon, the aircraft was scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 6 December afternoon and depart on 7 December with Khaleda Zia. Later that night, the schedule was revised, with the new arrival date set for 10 December.

A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the air ambulance was being sent under direct instruction from the Amir of Qatar. The exact time of departure for London will be finalised after discussions with Khaleda Zia’s doctors and BNP leaders.

Diplomatic sources also indicated that the number of individuals allowed to accompany Khaleda Zia on the air ambulance from Dhaka to London will be limited. Although BNP initially prepared a list of 18 people, only a select few will travel with her, while others may fly on commercial airlines.

Doctors Making ‘All-Out Efforts’

Discussion over sending the critically ill BNP Chairperson abroad intensified over the past several days. On Thursday afternoon, BNP leader and physician AZM Zahid Hossain said a decision had been reached, based on specialist advice, to take her to London for advanced treatment. He stated that she would be flown out early Friday in a Qatar-provided air ambulance.

An hour later, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated the information in another media briefing. But later that night it was learned that “technical issues” with the Qatar aircraft could delay her departure.

At around 10am on Friday, BNP’s media cell posted on its verified Facebook page, quoting Mirza Fakhrul, that Khaleda Zia would leave for London on 7 December if her condition was suitable for travel and if the medical board approved the plan.

After Jummah prayers, speaking to journalists following a prayer gathering near the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Mirza Fakhrul said that doctors were working ‘with utmost effort’ to ensure her recovery. He added that if the air ambulance arrived on Saturday, she could be flown out on Sunday (7 December).

However, by Friday night, sources confirmed that the potential new departure date had been reset to 9 December.