BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is preparing to return to Dhaka from London after receiving medical treatment, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he confirmed that an air ambulance is being arranged for her return.

Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had written to the interim government’s foreign affairs adviser requesting arrangements for a special air ambulance, citing medical advice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since been coordinating efforts, and a Qatar-based air ambulance is being readied for the purpose.

Begum Zia, the former Prime Minister, has been in London since January 8 for advanced treatment. Following 17 days of hospitalization, she was moved to her son Tarique Rahman’s residence, where she continues to receive care. Despite a relatively stable condition, doctors have deemed her not entirely out of danger, advising that her return be facilitated through specialized medical transport.

Khaleda Zia was previously imprisoned in 2018 over a corruption case and later released under special consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the fall of the former Awami League regime on August 5 last year, the president issued an order granting her formal release, and the courts nullified her previous convictions. This Eid marked her first celebration with family in over six years, following several Eids spent in jail and hospital custody. She continues to suffer from multiple health issues including liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart complications, diabetes, and arthritis.