Khaleda ‘significant’ in politics, says GM Quader

The Jatiya Party chairman has also wished the BNP chairperson a speedy recovery

Jatiya Party Chairman Ghulam Muhammed Quader has wished BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery.

Quader also commented that Khaleda holds a “significant” position in Bangladesh’s politics.

In a statement, the party’s Press Secretary Khandaker Delwar Jalali said: “Jatiya Party Chairman Ghulam Muhammed Quader has wished BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia a full recovery, good health, and a long life. He has also expressed sympathy towards the Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, her family, and followers of Begum Khaleda Zia.”

Khaleda is set to leave the country for London for advanced medical treatment on Tuesday night.

A special air ambulance sent by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has arrived in Dhaka to transport her.

Khaleda’s physician, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, said the BNP chairperson will depart from her residence “Firoza” in Gulshan by 8pm for the airport.

The special air ambulance carrying her is expected to leave Dhaka airport by 10pm, he added.

GM Quader said: “Begum Khaleda Zia is significant in the country’s politics. Her recovery is crucial for the welfare of the nation and its people. By the grace of Almighty Allah, Begum Khaleda Zia will recover soon after her treatment and return to the country.”

Upon arrival in the UK, the former prime minister will be admitted to The London Clinic, known for treating members of the British royal family and wealthy individuals.

Accompanying her will be six members of her medical board, including Chief Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar, specialist doctors Prof FM Siddique, Prof Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr Zafar Iqbal, Prof Zahid, and Dr Mohammad Al Mamun.

Khaleda will also be joined by her younger son Arafat Rahman Coco's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, advisor to the chairperson’s council Enamul Haque Chowdhury, executive mommittee member Tabith Awal, and her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with several personal staff members.

After a political change in the country five months ago, the BNP chairperson is travelling abroad for treatment.

Initially, there were plans for her to go to the US via London, but now it has been finalised that she will receive treatment in a UK hospital.

The 79-year-old Khaleda last went to the UK for treatment seven and a half years ago, where she received care for her eyes and legs.

She suffers from multiple complications, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung problems, arthritis, kidney issues, and diabetes.