Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment, confirmed her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain. Simultaneously, he urged the public not to heed rumors concerning her medical condition.
Dr. Zahid made the announcement at a press briefing organized on Tuesday (December 2) in front of the main gate of Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara, Dhaka, regarding Khaleda Zia’s latest physical status and treatment.
Medical Team and Oversight
Dr. Zahid stated that Khaleda Zia is being treated under a joint medical team consisting of Bangladeshi, American, and UK doctors.
-
He mentioned that the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is constantly overseeing her treatment and maintaining contact with both domestic and international doctors.
-
The party’s Secretary-General, Standing Committee members, and the interim government of Bangladesh are providing due cooperation to the hospital authorities.
Potential Transfer Abroad
Regarding the possibility of taking her abroad for treatment, the BNP Standing Committee member said that members of the medical board have examined her physical condition for potential international transfer. Furthermore, specialists from the UK are expected to arrive to examine her.
Dr. Zahid clarified that the transfer abroad will occur only when the medical board deems her “transferable” and judges that treatment outside the country is necessary. He emphasized that despite all preparations, there is currently no scope for any action outside of the patient’s current condition and the medical board’s advice.
Appeal to the Public and Information Protocol
In this critical moment, he requested the nation to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.
The BNP leader also requested the public to exercise maximum restraint and not to believe any kind of rumor or statement being circulated.
Dr. Zahid stressed that the party has designated specific individuals for providing information:
-
Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain will brief on her health status.
-
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will brief on other matters apart from health.
-
The party requested the public not to pay attention to briefings from anyone else.
Current Status and Security
Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Tests conducted revealed a lung infection. Subsequently, the BNP announced that her condition was critical. Since last Thursday (November 27), doctors have been providing intensive care in the Critical Care Unit (CCU).
She is being treated under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, a specialist doctor at Evercare Hospital, with the coordination of domestic and foreign physicians.
Meanwhile, security at Evercare Hospital has been increased since last night. Barricades have been erected on both sides of the hospital’s main gate, and police personnel are present for security. The gathering of people other than those concerned is being prevented.
According to police members present, the police set up barricades in front of the main gate around 2:00 AM last night, and people are being prevented from crowding nearby. Hospital sources stated that the police were deployed to ensure the unobstructed movement of patients and their family members, prevent crowds around the hospital, and strengthen Khaleda Zia’s security.
