The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the schedule for the air ambulance designated to transport BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia to London, classifying the flight as “VVIP.” Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have already granted landing clearance.
Captain SM Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, confirmed the development on Saturday.
He said the air ambulance is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday to take Khaleda Zia and depart on Wednesday.
As it is being treated as a VVIP movement, full security and operational preparations have been arranged from landing to takeoff.
Relevant units will be activated as soon as the final confirmation of the required route and landing time is received.
Meanwhile, ABM Abdus Sattar, the BNP chairperson’s personal secretary, said: “Madam’s departure for London has been postponed. At this moment, we are unable to provide a new date. She may be taken on any day once the air ambulance arrives.”
One of her physicians said: “Madam’s physical condition has remained unchanged over the past few days. Along with the delayed arrival of the air ambulance, we also need to consider whether her condition is sufficiently stable for air travel.”
According to a BNP source, the new air ambulance arranged under Qatar’s coordination—originally scheduled to land in Dhaka on Saturday—has had its itinerary rescheduled to Tuesday. Its tentative departure from Dhaka has been set for Wednesday.
