Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, has flown to London for much-needed medical treatment, a spokesperson from her party confirmed. The 79-year-old leader, whose health has been deteriorating for years, was granted permission to travel after significant political changes led to her release from house arrest. Zia, who served as prime minister twice, was convicted of corruption in 2018 under the government of Sheikh Hasina, her longtime rival. Despite multiple requests, Hasina’s government had previously denied Zia permission to seek treatment abroad. However, following a student-led revolution that ousted Hasina’s autocratic regime in August, Zia was freed.
Zia’s health has been a concern for some time. She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver, and is now confined to a wheelchair. Doctors have stated that her treatment in London will take several months. Zia’s departure was confirmed by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) spokesperson Zahir Uddin Swapan, who said she left Dhaka on a chartered flight arranged by the Emir of Qatar.
During her time in London, Zia may also receive treatment at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in the United States, following a recommendation from a medical team that treated her in 2023. Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, has lived in exile in London since 2008 after facing corruption charges. However, with several of his convictions quashed following Hasina’s fall from power, Tarique is expected to return to Bangladesh and lead the BNP in the upcoming elections.
This marks a significant moment for Khaleda Zia, as her medical treatment abroad coincides with an important shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
