In a significant move on the political and health front, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has left Dhaka for London to undergo urgent medical treatment. This journey marks her first international travel since her release from house arrest, a condition imposed after her conviction in several high-profile corruption cases during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister.
Zia, at the age of 79, has been grappling with a range of serious health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis. Her condition necessitated a special arrangement for travel, leading to the deployment of a Royal Air Ambulance by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This gesture not only underscores the severity of her health condition but also the international support she commands. Accompanying her were key figures from her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demonstrating the political significance of her trip.
The backdrop to Zia’s departure is the dramatic political upheaval in Bangladesh. In August of the previous year, a student-led mass uprising led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had ruled for over a decade. This unexpected turn of events created a power vacuum that has since been filled by an interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Under Yunus, efforts are underway to stabilize the nation and prepare for new elections, which are tentatively scheduled for December this year or the first half of 2026.
The timing of Zia’s medical trip is particularly noteworthy. It coincides with significant political developments within the BNP, where her son, Tarique Rahman, who has been in exile in London since 2007, is anticipated to take a more active leadership role. Tarique, who is also the acting chairman of the BNP, is expected to steer the party’s direction towards these upcoming elections, potentially influencing Bangladesh’s political landscape significantly.
Khaleda Zia’s health has been a topic of national concern and a rallying point for her supporters. Her ailments were frequently cited as needing more advanced care than what was available in Bangladesh, leading to numerous appeals for her to travel abroad for treatment. These requests were often denied under Sheikh Hasina’s administration, which her supporters claim was a deliberate act to weaken her politically. Her release from house arrest and subsequent travel to London could signal a shift in how political figures are treated post-Hasina, highlighting the changing dynamics in Bangladesh’s political arena.
The departure of Zia has sparked various reactions across the political spectrum. For BNP supporters, it’s a moment of relief and hope for her recovery, which they believe could reinvigorate their party. For political analysts, it’s a moment to watch how the absence of such a pivotal figure might affect the power dynamics, especially with the rise of Islamist political groups in the absence of Hasina’s secular Awami League.
Her journey, covered extensively by the media, was marked by an emotional send-off from thousands of BNP supporters who lined the streets from her residence in the upscale Gulshan area to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The route, typically a short distance, took nearly three hours due to the large gathering, showcasing the widespread support and sympathy for Khaleda Zia.
In London, she is expected to receive treatment at The London Clinic, known for its specialized medical facilities. Her medical team includes both Bangladeshi doctors who have accompanied her and UK-based specialists. The exact nature of her treatment will depend on the assessment by these experts, but there have been mentions of potential procedures like a liver transplant if deemed necessary.
This departure not only addresses Khaleda Zia’s immediate health needs but also opens up a narrative on the intersection of health, politics, and human rights in Bangladesh. It reflects on the broader implications for political prisoners, the role of international diplomacy in health care, and the future political landscape of a nation at a crossroads.