Dhaka, Dec 05 (V7N) – A special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar to transport BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment has developed a technical fault, potentially delaying her departure. The information was confirmed Thursday night by the BNP Media Cell.

Earlier in the day, AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of Khaleda Zia’s medical board and a BNP Standing Committee member, announced at a press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital that preparations were underway to move her to London. He said the transfer was scheduled for midnight Thursday or early Friday morning, based on the medical board’s decision.

According to him, the Qatari Royal Air Ambulance was arranged following a formal request from the Bangladesh government, and a team of 14 specialists—including six physicians—was prepared to accompany the BNP chief throughout the journey. Qatar’s Amir also assured full cooperation regarding her emergency medical transport.

In a related development, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, was scheduled to depart London for Dhaka at 6:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. She is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 9:30 a.m. Bangladesh time on Friday. This schedule indicates that Khaleda Zia’s departure for London might be pushed beyond 10 a.m. on Friday.

BNP has already confirmed the names of the 14-member medical and support team traveling with Khaleda Zia. The list was released in an official notice signed by the party’s Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

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