President Shahabuddin leaves for London on medical visit Saturday

This is his first trip abroad since the fall of the Awami League government following the July Uprising in 2024

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to depart for London on Saturday morning for a medical check-up, marking his first overseas trip since the fall of the Awami League government.

A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the president is scheduled to take off from Shahjalal International Airport, his Assistant Press Secretary SM Rahat Hasnat confirmed.

The visit follows a turbulent period for the head of state under the interim administration.

The president had previously told the media that two of his planned foreign trips were blocked during the interim government’s tenure.

The president is travelling to London for a follow-up on his bypass surgery, which was performed on Oct 1, 2023, at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

According to Bangabhaban officials, he will undergo necessary tests at a specialised hospital in Cambridge as part of his post-operative care.

His last foreign visit was more than two years ago, on Mar 3, 2024, when he travelled to the United Arab Emirates and London for health check-ups during the previous regime.

He returned to Dhaka on Mar 14 that year, and has remained in the country for the subsequent two years and nearly two months.

President Shahabuddin is expected to conclude his medical visit and return to Dhaka on May 18.

"The President will board a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London on May 17 and is scheduled to reach home the following morning," Rahat said.

The president will be accompanied by his wife, Rebecca Sultana, family members, his personal physician, and senior officials from Bangabhaban.