Qatar Sending German Air Ambulance for Khaleda Zia’s Transfer to London

The government of Qatar is sending an air ambulance, hired from a German company, to transport former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment. The aircraft will arrive in Dhaka from Tbilisi, Georgia.

Two officials — one from the Qatar Embassy in Dhaka and another from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs — confirmed the development to Prothom Alo on Friday evening.

Asadur Rahman, Public Relations Officer at the Qatar Embassy, told Prothom Alo that Qatar has rented the German air ambulance and is coordinating its arrival with Khaleda Zia’s medical team and BNP leaders.

A senior foreign ministry official said the air ambulance is being sent under instructions from the Amir of Qatar. However, the final departure time from Dhaka to London will be decided after discussions among doctors and BNP leadership.

Diplomatic sources said only a small number of people will accompany Khaleda Zia on the air ambulance. BNP initially prepared a list of 18 individuals, but only a few will be prioritized to travel with her. The rest will fly on commercial flights.

Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for almost two weeks. BNP leaders, citing her doctors, say her health condition remains concerning.

Earlier, Qatar had arranged a special air ambulance to bring her to London, but a technical maintenance issue caused delays. As an alternative, Qatar is now sending the privately operated German aircraft.

Khaleda Zia previously travelled to London in January for treatment, also on an air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar.