Dhaka: BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Dhaka for advanced medical treatment in London, with her air ambulance departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:47 pm, media reports said on Wednesday.
BNP standing committee members gathered at the airport’s VIP lounge to greet their party chief and wish her safe travels.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Khaleda was imprisoned for six years for fabricated cases under the Awami League government’s oppression, the Daily Star reported.
“During her imprisonment, she fell critically ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. We repeatedly urged Sheikh Hasina to allow her to seek medical treatment abroad, but the fascist Hasina ignored our requests,” Fakhrul told journalists at the airport.
“After the student and public uprising forced Hasina to flee, Khaleda Zia was released and travelled to London for medical treatment,” he said.
“She prays for the well-being of the people and the establishment of democracy,” Fakhrul added.
At 8:12 pm, the 79-year-old politician left her Gulshan residence, “Firoza,” for the airport.
The plane, sent by the emir of Qatar, was scheduled to depart at 10:00 pm, the report said.
According to reports, to see her off, a large number of BNP activists and supporters gathered along the roads in Gulshan, Kakoli, and near the airport.
People gathered at her residence in the evening, hoping to see her before her departure to London, the report said.
According to reports, Khaleda Zia is expected to be admitted to a London clinic upon landing.
After initial treatment, she may travel to the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, USA, for further medical care, according to party insiders.
