Khaleda Zia’s Health Suddenly Deteriorates; Transferred to ICU

The health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has reportedly taken a sudden turn for the worse. In the early hours of Sunday morning, she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Evercare Hospital, where doctors have placed her on ventilation to manage her critical condition.

A senior party leader, who spoke to the press after visiting the hospital on Monday evening, described her condition as “critical” but clarified that while she is on ventilation, she is not on full life support. “She is fighting to return to us,” the leader told First Light, emphasising the severity of her condition.

Earlier on Monday, BNP Vice-Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan informed reporters that Khaleda Zia had become “very critical” since Sunday night. Although he visited the hospital, he was not permitted to see her directly. Speaking outside the hospital, he said: “She is currently on ventilatory support. From CCU to ICU, whether you call it ventilation or life support, the fact remains that Madam is in a critical state and is fighting to come back.”

Khaleda Zia has been gravely ill since being admitted to the hospital on 23 November. She remained largely unresponsive until Saturday, when she was able to speak briefly, although her overall condition showed little improvement. Medical experts have indicated that the next few days are crucial. Stabilising her kidney function is essential, as sustained improvement in her overall health remains unlikely without it.

To assist in her treatment, a team of Chinese medical specialists has joined the ongoing care at Evercare Hospital. They met with members of Khaleda Zia’s medical board on Monday evening. Her personal physician, Dr. Al Mamun, confirmed that the main Chinese team is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. The medical board overseeing her care includes Bangladeshi experts, doctors from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, and specialists from the London Clinic, all working in close coordination.

Khaleda Zia suffers from multiple health complications, including liver-related issues, reduced kidney function, respiratory difficulties, and diabetes. Initially admitted to a high-dependency unit (HDU) due to her deteriorating condition, she was transferred to the ICU on Sunday morning for closer monitoring.

BNP leaders have called on the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation about her health, stressing that updates should come exclusively from her personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Party Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also assured that her condition is stable under close observation, urging the public not to be misled by unverified reports.

Meanwhile, across the country, BNP and its affiliates have organised prayers and special congregations for her recovery. Some have even conducted charitable acts, including animal sacrifices, with the proceeds donated to the poor, as a gesture of solidarity and well-wishing for her health.