President seeks prayers for Khaleda’s recovery amid declining condition

He expresses deep concern, praying for her swift recovery

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the nation to pray for the swift recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment in hospital.

In a statement issued on Saturday, he expressed deep concern after receiving reports of her worsening condition.

He said, “At this crucial juncture in our democratic journey, I pray for the speedy recovery of former prime minister [Khaleda]. I appeal to Almighty Allah for her health and also request the people of the country to pray for her.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday that Khaleda’s condition was now “extremely critical”.

The 79-year-old has for years been suffering from arthritis and diabetes, along with complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs and eyes.

She was taken to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara on the night of Nov 23 for medical tests. Examinations detected a chest “infection”.

Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of her medical board, told reporters on Monday: “For the past several months, she has been falling ill very frequently. We admitted her here (Evercare Hospital) because several problems appeared at once. She has a chest infection.

“Since she already had heart problems -- she has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting -- both her heart and lungs became affected, causing severe respiratory difficulties. That is why we brought her here urgently.”