Khaleda Zia Departing Bangladesh for Urgent Medical Treatment in London Amid Political Turmoil

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh departed for London on Tuesday for medical treatment, according to her adviser, Zahiruddin Swapan. Swapan informed The Associated Press that Zia, who has served as prime minister three times and leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, left Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on an air ambulance late in the evening.

Her physician has reported that Zia suffers from liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney issues. The special air ambulance was provided by Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside her residence in Dhaka's Gulshan area to bid her farewell.

Political Uncertainty in Bangladesh

Zia's departure comes amid political uncertainty in Bangladesh following the ousting of her rival, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a student-led uprising last August. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is currently in charge and plans to hold elections either in December this year or by mid-2026.

The political landscape in Bangladesh has long been dominated by the families of Zia and Hasina. Zia is married to the late President Ziaur Rahman, a former military chief who became prominent after the assassination of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Ziaur Rahman was also killed in a coup in 1981 after forming his political party.

Legal Challenges and Political Dynamics

Zia was sentenced to 17 years in prison during Hasina's rule due to corruption charges from her time as prime minister between 2001 and 2006. Her supporters claim these charges were politically motivated, an accusation denied by Hasina's administration. Under Yunus' leadership, Zia was acquitted of one case last November, while an appeal for the second case was ongoing on Tuesday.

Despite being released on bail for medical treatment within Bangladesh, Hasina's administration did not permit Zia to seek treatment abroad. Her journey to the airport took nearly three hours due to thousands of supporters lining the streets, causing traffic congestion. Television stations broadcasted her journey live.

Future Political Developments

Enamul Haque Chowdhury, a close aide to Zia, mentioned that the air ambulance arrived from Doha to transport her to London. There she will join her eldest son Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile since 2007. Rahman is expected to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party into upcoming elections.

The absence of both Hasina and her secular party has led to a rise in Islamist political parties and groups within the predominantly Muslim nation of 170 million people. Meanwhile, a student group that spearheaded protests against Hasina is attempting to establish a new political party.

Zia's party is negotiating with the interim government for elections this year. Yunus stated his administration aims to implement significant reforms before conducting elections.