Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Critical: Emergency Airlift to London Planned for Advanced Medical Treatment

Bangladesh's interim government has declared special Friday prayers nationwide for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, extending the request to temples, churches, pagodas, and other religious establishments.

Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to be transported to London either tonight or early tomorrow morning following recommendations from a specialized medical team brought in for her care.

Her medical board now includes four Chinese doctors, with UK specialist physician Richard Belle supervising her treatment plan.

Qatar has generously offered air ambulance facilities to transport Begum Khaleda Zia. The Bangladesh Army and Air Force have conducted helicopter landing and takeoff tests near the Dhaka private hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.

On Thursday, the chiefs of Bangladesh's three military branches visited Khaleda Zia at the hospital.

The three-time former prime minister was hospitalized on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. Her condition remains highly critical.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh visited her hospital room, staying for approximately 30 minutes.

Her elder son Tarique Rahman, who also serves as BNP's acting chairperson, is coordinating her medical care from London.

Rahman expressed his feelings in a Saturday social media post, writing: "In this time of crisis, like any child, I too long for the comforting touch of my mother."

Addressing his absence from Bangladesh, Rahman stated, "However, like everyone else, the ability to realise this is neither unreservedly under my sole decision-making authority nor my exclusive control. The scope for elaborating on this sensitive matter is also limited," fueling speculation about constraints preventing his return.

Khaleda Zia has been placed under enhanced security measures as her condition remains critical. Bangladesh's elite Special Security Force (SSF) has been assigned to protect the ailing leader.

India has extended an offer of assistance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating, "India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can."