United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a critical condition and is passing through a very challenging phase of her treatment, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday night. “Her condition is extremely complex, and she is now going through a critical moment. If, by the grace of Almighty Allah and the tireless efforts of doctors, she can overcome this crisis, then we may see some positive outcome,” he said. Zahid made the remarks while briefing reporters outside Evercare Hospital in the capital following BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s second time visit to the hospital. He said the BNP chief has been undergoing treatment at the hospital since November 23, and her physical condition deteriorated significantly after admission. Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda Zia was initially admitted to a cabin, but due to a sharp decline in her health, she was later shifted to the CCU and then to the ICU, where she is currently receiving treatment under close and round-the-clock medical supervision. Dr Zahid said a medical board, comprising specialist doctors from Bangladesh as well as from the UK and the USA, is overseeing her treatment. “The board sits regularly—usually around 10:00pm—to review her condition and determine the next course of treatment.” He said treatment is being carried out under the leadership of Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, following the collective decisions and advice of the medical board members. Earlier in the day, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, visited Evercare Hospital for the second time and spent a long time beside his mother’s bed, Dr Zahid said. He said Dr Zubaida Rahman, herself a physician, also participated in the medical board discussions alongside local and foreign doctors. Dr Zahid said Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and paramedics for their continuous efforts in treating his mother and sought prayers from the country’s people for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. He also conveyed Tarique Rahman’s request to party leaders and activists to refrain from gathering unnecessarily at the hospital so that medical services for Khaleda Zia and other patients are not disrupted. Dr Zahid urged the nation to continue praying for Khaleda Zia, saying her recovery now largely depends on overcoming the present critical phase.