BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia remains under close observation at Evercare Hospital, and her travel to London for advanced treatment will be delayed until doctors declare her fit to fly by air ambulance.

BNP first scheduled Khaleda's flight for Friday, then rescheduled it to today, but both attempts fell through as her health slightly worsened, and the air ambulance had not arrived.

Khaleda's medical board met at the hospital last night to review her test reports. Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and a member of the board, attended the meeting.

The medical board said Khaleda's travel will be delayed as she is not physically fit for a long flight. Khaleda's 48-hour observation period will end tonight, after which doctors will decide the next course of action.

Khaleda's personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, said, "Her travel abroad is being delayed, and her health condition will determine when she can go for advanced treatment."

Briefing reporters outside the hospital yesterday afternoon, Zahid said an air ambulance is on standby for the BNP chief.

"But even though it is ready, the highest priority is proper medical care, safety, and security for Begum Khaleda Zia."

Stating that her condition must be suitable for the long flight, he said, "We must remember that the flight will take 12 to 14 hours, and the human body undergoes changes at high altitude. It is not always possible for a seriously ill patient to cope with that."

Meanwhile, Zubaida spent nearly nine hours at the hospital yesterday, visited Khaleda, and later left for her Dhanmondi residence. She arrived in Dhaka on Friday.

Syeda Sharmila Rahman, wife of Khaleda's late son Arafat Rahman Koko, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also visited the hospital yesterday.

Fakhrul on Friday said Khaleda's scheduled flights to London on Friday and today were postponed because of technical issues with the air ambulance and the medical board's recommendation that she not travel.

The 80-year-old former prime minister was admitted to Evercare on November 23 with infections in her heart and lungs.

She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital's Coronary Care Unit.

The BNP chief has long been battling multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis. She has a pacemaker and has previously undergone stent procedures in her heart.

Meanwhile, at different parts of the country, special prayers were offered for her recovery.

'PAY NO HEED TO RUMOURS'

Talking to the reporters at the briefing, Zahid once again urged people not to pay attention to rumours circulating on social media about Khaleda's condition.

"Many rumours are being spread online. I sincerely request everyone, as a mark of your respect and affection for the leader of the country, not to spread misinformation or confuse the public."

Zahid asked people to pray for her recovery. "Pray to Allah. Even in more critical situations than this, she recovered through your prayers and Allah's mercy."

'WE SINCERELY APOLOGISE'

Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to other patients during Khaleda's treatment.

"Many patients admitted to the hospital, along with their relatives, may be facing various difficulties because of our presence. For this, we sincerely apologise.

"We seek your understanding and cooperation, as it will be difficult to continue her treatment effectively without your support."

Meanwhile, BNP leaders and activists continued to gather outside Evercare Hospital yesterday to enquire about Khaleda's health, despite repeated instructions from the party not to crowd the hospital premises.

Members of the SSF, police, and BGB were stationed inside the hospital. The road in front of the hospital's main gate has been cordoned off to keep out the crowd of visitors.

AIR AMBULANCE

The air ambulance, arranged by Qatar, to transfer ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London is expected to arrive in Dhaka soon.

According to sources at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), a German aviation company, FAI Aviation Group, sought, through a third party early yesterday, permission to land in Dhaka on December 9 and leave for London on December 10.

The CAAB has forwarded the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for necessary approval, an official of CAAB said.