Khaleda Zia Arrives in London for Treatment and Emotional Reunion with Son After Seven Years

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to a specialised hospital in London for advanced medical care, according to her party. The 79-year-old chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had an emotional reunion with her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, at Heathrow International Airport after more than seven years apart.

Upon arrival, Zia was taken directly to the London Clinic by her son and BNP acting chairman, Rahman. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, accompanied them. Bangladeshi doctors who travelled with Zia handed over her medical documents to the clinic's doctors for review. After evaluating the documents and conducting necessary tests, the clinic decided to admit her for further treatment.

Medical Journey and Reunion

Zia's journey to London marked her first overseas trip since July 16, 2017, when she last travelled for medical reasons. She arrived on a Qatari Royal Air Ambulance equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, including an ICU. The air ambulance landed at Heathrow International Airport at 2:55 pm Bangladesh time.

At the airport, Rahman warmly embraced his wheelchair-bound mother as she exited the terminal. Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner in London, Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan, welcomed Zia with a bouquet of flowers. The Daily Star newspaper reported that she was received by her son and daughter-in-law at the airport.

Legal and Political Context

Zia, who has served as Prime Minister three times, met her son for the first time since 2017. The Sheikh Hasina-led government had previously barred her from travelling abroad due to legal issues. Rahman has been residing in London since 2008 after being convicted in several criminal and graft cases.

The air ambulance departed Dhaka late Tuesday night and made a stopover in Doha before reaching London. Media reports indicated that four Royal Qatari doctors and paramedics were on board alongside several Bangladeshi doctors, Zia's younger daughter-in-law, and other relatives.

Background of Legal Challenges

Doctors have advocated for Zia's treatment abroad since late 2021, but these requests were denied by the Hasina government. Following the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, Zia was released under a presidential order. She had been sentenced to 17 years in prison for graft in 2018 during Hasina's rule and was imprisoned for over two years.

On March 25, 2020, the Hasina government suspended her sentence and granted conditional release through an executive order. This suspension and release period have been extended every six months upon application. Since then, Zia has been frequently admitted to a specialised private hospital with multiple health issues.

Recent Public Appearance

Zia made a public appearance on November 21, 2024, at Dhaka Cantonment during Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Day reception. She attended this event at the invitation of Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government.

This recent trip to London underscores ongoing concerns about Zia's health and political situation. Her admission to a specialised hospital highlights the need for advanced medical care that wasn't available domestically.