BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s planned transfer to London has been delayed because she is “not physically" capable of undertaking air travel at this moment,” the medical board treating her at Evercare Hospital has said.

Speaking at a briefing outside Evercare Hospital on Saturday afternoon, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the medical board, explained the situation.

He said: “It is true that the air ambulance could not arrive on Friday due to a technical issue. However, at that moment, the medical board urgently decided that it would not be medically safe for her to fly. That is why her planned transfer abroad is being delayed. In the coming days, her physical condition will determine when she can be taken abroad for treatment.”

“The air ambulance is ready and on standby at all times, but the top priority is Begum Khaleda Zia’s safety and proper medical care. Physicians from the UK, the US, and China are actively coordinating with our medical board, and everyone is prioritising her physical condition above all else,” he added.

Professor Zahid said: “We believe the entire nation wants her recovery—doctors, people of all backgrounds, and all political and religious groups. Since her health is our highest priority, our acting chairman Tarique Rahman is monitoring the situation closely and giving utmost importance to the doctors’ recommendations. The party is following that guidance.”

He noted that the board has treated her consistently over the past six years despite difficult circumstances, saying the doctors have handled everything with utmost professionalism and dedication.

Regarding when she might travel, Zahid said: “She will fly only when she is physically capable. We are fully prepared to send her abroad. Whenever the medical board is satisfied that she can be safely transferred, she will be taken abroad.”

He stressed the risks of a long flight, saying: “During a 12–14-hour flight, the body undergoes physiological changes due to high altitude, and it is not always possible for a critically ill patient to cope with these. Please do not be confused or allow anyone to spread misinformation.”

He also said: "The Qatar government and our interim government are cooperating at the highest level to facilitate her transfer abroad, and their support continues.”

“She will be taken abroad only when the medical board advises so—her treatment and safety will always be the highest priority,” he reiterated.

Urging people not to believe rumours, Zahid said: “There are many rumours on social media regarding her treatment. I request everyone—if you truly respect and love the national leader—do not spread misinformation that may confuse the public.”

Expressing hope for her recovery, he said: “Please pray for her. By Allah’s grace she has recovered from crises even more critical than this. We, the medical board, are optimistic that she will recover from this complication as well.”

He added that under the leadership of Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, both local and foreign specialists—as well as Zubaida Rahman, wife of acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who has come to Dhaka—are continuously involved in Khaleda Zia’s treatment.