BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is slated to depart for London at 10 pm tonight (Jan 7) aboard a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The aircraft, equipped with advanced medical facilities, landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday night after arriving from Doha. 

Stringent security measures have been put in place at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport ahead of her foreign trip. 

Authorities anticipate a significant gathering of party leaders and activists at the airport and its vicinity to bid her farewell.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and other sources, security teams including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Detective Branch (DB), and SWAT, along with the Airport Armed Police, will be stationed outside the airport. 

Additional personnel from other organizations will also be on duty to ensure a secure environment.

CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed the matter.

According to him, Khaleda Zia is scheduled to depart for London around 10 pm on Tuesday for medical treatment. 

“We expect BNP leaders and activists to arrive at the airport during that time. Comprehensive security arrangements have been made to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.

He added that specialized teams, including AVSEC (Aviation Security) and APBN (Airport Police Battalion), will be deployed to manage security both inside and outside the airport premises.

“Our priority is to ensure that Khaleda Zia faces no difficulties during her departure while also safeguarding the smooth travel of other passengers,” the CAAB Chairman said, adding “Maximum measures are being taken to prevent any disruptions or security concerns for all travelers at the airport.”

In addition to the Qatari medical team, six members of Khaleda’s medical board, including Prof Shahabuddin Talukdar and Dr. Mohammed Al Mamun, will accompany her. 

Other companions include her daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman, BNP officials Enamul Haque Chowdhury and Tabith Awal, and her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

Khaleda Zia will be admitted to The London Clinic for advanced medical treatment. 

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party members to avoid causing public inconvenience near the airport during her departure.

BDST: 1819 HRS, JAN 07, 2025
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