KHALEDA MAY BE SHIFTED TO UK
Former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, 80, remains in critical condition at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital as her family prepares to move her to London for advanced treatment. Admitted on November 23 with a severe chest infection affecting her heart and lungs, she was shifted to the coronary care unit four days later as complications worsened. BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, is expected to arrive in Dhaka to assess Zia’s condition before an air transfer. Qatar has offered an air ambulance, while Bangladesh’s military conducted rooftop landing tests at the hospital to facilitate evacuation. International medical teams-including specialists from China and the UK-have joined local doctors to review treatment options. Interim Government chief Muhammad Yunus and senior military leaders have visited the hospital. Meanwhile, BNP supporters nationwide are holding prayers for Zia’s recovery amid renewed attention on Tarique Rahman’s long exile in London.
Ex-Guv Swaraj Kaushal Dies
Former Mizoram governor and senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal, husband of the late BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj, passed away on Thursday at the age of 73. He was rushed to AIIMS by his daughter, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, after complaining of chest pain, but was declared dead on arrival, the Delhi BJP said. Kaushal was cremated at Lodhi Road crematorium with full honours, with Bansuri performing the last rites in the presence of Union ministers, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, senior BJP and RSS leaders, and a Delhi Police contingent that offered a final salute.
Won’t ask Piastri for help: Norris
Lando Norris says he will not ask McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to give up a position to support his championship bid in Formula 1’s three-way title showdown with Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points heading into Sunday’s finale, with Piastri only four points behind. While Piastri could theoretically aid Norris if he falls out of title contention, Norris insisted he would not request team orders, calling it unfair and a decision solely for Piastri. Piastri said the team had not discussed such scenarios and he would wait to understand what might be expected of him. Last week in Qatar, a McLaren strategy error cost Norris a chance to seal the championship, with Verstappen winning and Piastri finishing second.
