BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Under Intensive Medical Observation

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is under intensive medical observation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was admitted to the hospital at 8:00 pm on Sunday. Her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed the information.

Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board formed for the BNP Chairperson, told reporters that Khaleda Zia is suffering from heart and lung infections. Her treatment is ongoing under the intensive supervision of hospital doctors.

Professor Siddiqui said, “She has been frequently falling ill over the past few months. We admitted her to Evercare Hospital today because several health issues appeared simultaneously, including a chest infection.”

He added, “She has pre-existing heart conditions, including a permanent pacemaker and a previously installed ring. Additionally, she has a condition called mitrostenosis. The chest infection affected both her heart and lungs, causing respiratory distress. That is why we brought her to the hospital promptly.”

A member of the medical board said, “Khaleda Zia is under 24-hour intensive observation. Upon arrival, urgent necessary tests were conducted. Based on preliminary reports, she has been given antibiotics and emergency treatment. More reports are expected within 24 hours. Her condition in the next 12 hours will be crucial.”

She has been admitted under the supervision of Professor Shahabuddin Talukdar. After her admission, several tests were conducted. A medical board meeting was then held under Professor Talukdar’s chairmanship, attended by Professor FM Siddiqui, Dr. Jafar Iqbal, Dr. Ziaul Haque, Dr. Mamun Ahmed, retired Brigadier General Saiful Islam, and virtually by Dr. Zubaida Rahman from London and specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital, USA.

Professor Siddiqui stated, “The treatment has begun according to the unanimous decision of the medical board.”

Her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, said, “Appropriate measures are being taken for her health, and intensive treatment is being administered with maximum caution. There is no cause for extreme concern.”

He further stated, “The medical board will reconvene in the next 12 hours to monitor her condition and make necessary treatment adjustments.”

AZM Zahid Hossain added that since early morning, her son Tarique Rahman and his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman have been in constant communication. Additionally, the spouse of her late son Arafat Rahman, Syeda Shamila Rahman, is also present.

He told reporters that Khaleda Zia has asked the nation for prayers for her recovery.

The 80-year-old Khaleda Zia has long suffered from arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye complications. She travelled to London on 7 January for advanced treatment and returned on 6 May after 117 days.

Khaborwala/TSN