Khaleda Zia’s condition ‘same as before’, says BNP’s Zahid

He says she is able to take the treatment doctors are administering

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health has remained in the same condition over the past three days, according to her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.

He shared the update during a briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday night.

A member of the medical board treating her, Zahid said: “Over the past three days -- 27th, 28th, and 29th [Saturday] -- her condition has remained at the same stage.

“In medical terms, she is able to take the treatment doctors are administering,” he added.

On the possibility of treatment abroad, Zahid said: “Going abroad depends on her overall health and the recommendations of the medical board. Any decision will be made following their advice and communicated to the public.”

Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara on Nov 23. Following tests, doctors detected an infection in her chest.

On Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said her condition was “critical”.

Providing the latest update, Dr Zahid said: “Since Thursday, the BNP chairperson has been under treatment in the Critical Care Unit (CCU).

“BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is supervising all aspects of her treatment round the clock. He remains in constant contact with the doctors and the medical board to ensure that her care proceeds without interruption.”

Zahid added that her treatment plan is continuing based on consultations with specialists from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, China, and hospitals in the United States, including Johns Hopkins and Mount Sinai.

“We request the people of the country to pray for her recovery,” he said. “We are grateful to the chief advisor and members of the Advisory Council who have also urged the nation to pray for her.”

Evercare Hospital currently has around 300 patients besides the BNP chairperson. Zahid urged party members not to gather in the hospital premises so that the care of other patients is not disturbed.

He noted that several heads of state and government from abroad have expressed concern about her condition.

“The acting chairman has conveyed his gratitude to all of them and sought their continued support.”

In a statement on Saturday night, Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh chief Muhibullah Babunagari and its Secretary General Sajedur Rahman urged the nation to pray for Khaleda’s swift recovery.

“We [pray] that Allah grants her full recovery and the ability to steer the nation through these difficult times," it added.