United News of Bangladesh

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital, has not shown any significant improvement, according to her medical board members and senior party leaders. Doctors say the former prime minister is still suffering from pneumonia, which has caused infections in both her heart and lungs. They said they are trying their utmost to bring the infections under control. A member of the medical board, wishing to remain unnamed, said excess fluid has built up in her body, requiring regular dialysis. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt She is also being given the oxygen support needed to help her breathe more comfortably. Despite her critical condition, he said Khaleda Zia remains responsive, can move her hands and feet slightly, and is able to speak a few words at times. BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon said their party chairperson’s condition is stable, with no marked improvement or deterioration. “I went to the fourth floor of the hospital and spoke to her doctors. They told me it is still not possible to say when her condition might improve, but they remain hopeful. They said they are trying their best, and she may improve — now we just have to wait and see,” he told reporters after meeting the medical team. BNP leaders and family members said if her condition improves, she may again be taken abroad for advanced treatment. Preparations have already begun, though BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday evening that she is still not medically fit to travel. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said the medical board treating Khaleda Zia believes she may need treatment abroad, but her present condition does not allow travel. He said distinguished doctors from Bangladesh, as well as specialist physicians from Johns Hopkins in the United States and the London Clinic in the UK, are overseeing her treatment. The full medical board held a detailed meeting for nearly two and a half hours on Friday night. “They discussed her treatment in depth and shared their views on the next steps. The board said she may need to be taken abroad, but in her current condition it is not possible. She is not fit for overseas travel right now,” Fakhrul said. Once her condition stabilises, he said the medical board will consider whether she can travel abroad. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin Fakhrul also said preparations for possible overseas treatment are already underway. “Visa procedures, communication with countries where treatment may be possible, and other formalities have been discussed. These preparations are progressing so that, if the need arises and she becomes fit to fly, a quick decision can be made,” he said. Khaleda Zia has been under intensive monitoring since she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with severe infections in her heart and lungs. She was first kept in a cabin but was later moved to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) as her condition worsened. Members of the medical board have been working round the clock, closely observing her vital signs. Another medical board member told UNB that the BNP Chairperson’s condition remains complicated. “She is on dialysis due to excess fluid in her body. The main reason is that her mitral valve has become stiff, preventing the heart from pumping blood properly. Some blood is leaking back through the valve, which raises the risk of right-side heart failure,” he said. He also said a severe infection has put her body under extreme stress, while acute pancreatitis has further worsened her condition. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said both local and foreign doctors are providing all necessary treatment. “Specialist doctors from abroad are also involved. Whatever treatment she needs is being given,” he said. No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday that the Zia family is planning to take Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment once her condition improves even slightly. He said Tarique Rahman and his wife have already contacted the London hospital and the specialist doctors under whose care she stayed for four months earlier this year, when she showed significant improvement. “Arrangements are being made to organise a specially equipped, state-of-the-art air ambulance for that purpose,” Mahdi wrote. Khaleda’s former press secretary Maruf Kamal Khan also wrote on Facebook that her condition has not improved noticeably. He said the family is considering taking her to London, Singapore or even China, depending on the medical board’s approval. Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, who visited the hospital on Saturday, said preparations are underway to take her to Singapore or Europe, but she is “not in a condition to fly yet”. As large numbers of people have continued gathering around the hospital, Mirza Fakhrul and other senior BNP leaders have urged the public not to crowd the area. They said the overwhelming number of visitors has made hospital staff and doctors uneasy, affecting the treatment of Khaleda Zia as well as other patients. Read more: Khaleda may need treatment abroad, but not fit for travel: Fakhrul Apart from BNP leaders, several other political party leaders also visited Evercare Hospital on Saturday to inquire about her health. Among them were Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, NCP Senior Joint Member-Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah. Speaking to reporters, they urged the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. Hasnat Abdullah blamed the former prime minister’s declining health on inadequate medical care during her imprisonment.  He alleged that she had been denied proper treatment in jail, which led to the gradual deterioration of her condition. He said people across the country, irrespective of political views, were praying for her recovery. Meanwhile, prayers continue nationwide for the former prime minister’s health. Since Friday, people from different walks of life have been posting on social media expressing deep concern and seeking divine blessings for her quick healing. Read more: Khaleda responding to treatment: Dr Zahid

A prolonged heatwave has significantly increased patient admissions in hospitals throughout Dhaka, with the city's medical facilities struggling to cope with the additional burden.  Most admissions involve heatstroke, fever, cold, diarrhoea, and pneumonia, ailments that disproportionately affect children. Patients and their families face severe heat within hospital premises as well, worsening conditions for those already suffering. Many hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), have reported a surge in cases since Eid, with no space left even on the floors, forcing many to resort to makeshift solutions like hand fans or small table fans. Abul Malek, from Dhaka’s Nodda area, was admitted at DMCH. His son Nadim told UNB, "The heat is unbearable, and the lack of available beds has left my father to receive treatment on the floor. The situation would have been somewhat manageable with lower temperatures." Severe heatwave in Khulna: Day labourers forced to work in dangerous conditions In response to the dire situation, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, emphasized their efforts to improve conditions. "We're swapping out all malfunctioning fans and adding new ones wherever possible. Additionally, technicians have been instructed to ensure separate lines for fans and lights to prevent electrical issues." Patient admissions have reportedly doubled at Kurmitola General Hospital, Mugda Medical College and Hospital and Dhaka Shishu Hospital as well since Eid. The majority of these patients are suffering from diarrhoea and pneumonia. The emergency and outpatient medicine departments are under the most pressure, facing the highest patient load. Professor Dr. Farid Ahmed, Head of General Pediatrics at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, highlighted the impact of the heatwave on young patients: "With the heat continuing, children are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and other diseases, which have led to an alarming rate of hospital admissions. We are struggling to provide enough beds." Public health expert and former director of Disease Control at Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Be-Nazir Ahmed, stressed the severity of the situation, noting, "The current heatwave is unbearable. It not only raises the risk of cholera but also heightens the likelihood of other diseases. Extreme temperatures disrupt normal bodily functions, posing life-threatening risks and increasing susceptibility to various infections." Fear of fruit failure grips mango growers in Chapainawabganj as heatwave Intensifies The authorities have urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and avoid direct exposure to extreme temperatures. With schools reopening, there is an increased concern for children's safety, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures against foodborne diseases and dehydration. This crisis underscores the pressing need for improved infrastructure and preparedness to handle climate-induced health emergencies, particularly for the most vulnerable populations such as children.

Bhola is witnessing a rise in cases of pneumonia and other cold-related diseases, particularly among kids. At least four children have died and more than 400 others hospitalised in the district in the past one month, health authorities said on Friday. Three of the four children who succumbed to pneumonia belonged to Bhola sadar upazila, while the fourth one was a resident of Charfasson upazila, according to Bhola Civil Surgeon’s office. Also read: Over 14,000 children die in Bangladesh due to drowning every year Health authorities attributed the deaths and hospitalisations to excessive heat followed by copious showers. On Friday, 10 more children were hospitalised with pneumonia in the 30-bed children ward of Bhola General Hospital. Besides, over 50 patients are being treated just for cold-related diseases in the 250-bed hospital. Due to a shortage of beds, some patients have been shifted to different hospitals in the seven upazilas of the district. Also read: Learning Disabilities in Children: Types, symptoms, ways to help Dr Tamnnaye Habiba of Bhola General Hospital, said,” Children are more prone to pneumonia and the infection might be rising due to inclement weather. We also have a shortage of doctors and staff but are trying our best to treat patients efficiently.”

The number of diarrhoea patients, mostly children, has been rising alarmingly in Faridpur hospitals for the last one month. Besides diarrhoea, hospitals are struggling to manage the huge flow of patients suffering from fever, cold, and pneumonia. Read:Diarrhoea hospitalisations continue to rise in Dhaka, other districts During a visit on Sunday, the UNB correspondent found that more than 300 children are being given treatment at the indoor and outdoor units of Dr. Zahed Memorial Shishu Hospital in Faridpur town daily on average. Besides, Sadar General Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital, and different private hospitals and clinics have been flooded with diaarohea patients. Around 200 patients are being treated in these hospitals daily on average. Dr. Emdadul Haque Shamim, the resident medial officer of Dr. Zahed Memorial Shishu Hospital, said, “Children are being afflicted with diarrehoea due to weather change.” He also suggested the parents to take special care of their children during this hot weather. Only 10 beds are available for diarrhoea patients at Faridpur Sadar General Hospital. But, more than double patients were admitted to the hospital, creating huge pressure on the hospital authorities . This scenario is almost the same at all the public and private hospitals and clinics in the district.    Farida Yeasmin, a senior nurse of Sadar General Hospital, said, “We are trying to give services to the patients despite our limitations. Patients are arriving at the hospital daily with severe diarrhoea with vomiting and most of them are children.”   Day labour Akter Sheikh has come to the hospital from Madaripur with his two kids suffering from diarrhoea. Read:Diarrhoea outbreak grips Barguna “I have admitted my two children at Faridpur Sadar General Hospital but getting a bed here is very tough as the number of patients is very high. We are staying on the floor. However, my children are better now,” he said. District Civil Surgeon Dr. Siddiqur Rahman said, “The situation is still under control. The number of diarrhoea patients has increased in the district. Doctors are struggling at some places to give treatment to the patients. Weather change has caused the diarrhoea outbreak.” He, however, has suggested that people should avoid stale food during this summer and drink pure and clean water always.

Khulna Shishu Hospital  has been struggling with rising number of pneumonia and diarrhoea patients, aged between 25 days to five years,  from six southern districts due to outbreak of the diseases amid severe cold. Everyday 25 children are brought to the outdoor unit of the hospital on an average for treatment but the hospital authorities are not being able to provide beds to the patients anymore. Children from Narail, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Gopalganj, Mongla and different upazilas of Khulna district are being brought to Khulna Shishu Hospital for treatment. Read:For an Australian in Khulna, home is where his heart was won Md Bellal Hossain, father of one-year old Rabiul Islam, said  his son was admitted to the hospital on Monday with diarrhoea but his physical condition remained unchanged. Meanwhile, Arban, a 14-month-old son of Ashraful Islam of Jashore's Abhaynagar upazila, was admitted to the hospital on December 22 with diarrhoea. His mother said his condition has improved. Dr Md Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, Senior Medical Officer of Khulna Shishu Hospital, said children are suffering from diarrhea due to rotavirus and bacterial infection. “There is no specific medicine for viral diarrhea. If the baby gets dehydrated, he or she should be given saline, breast milk, coconut water and pure drinking water,” said the physician. After the heavy rains of December 4-6, triggered by the Bay depression,, the temperature started to fall in the southern part of the country. However, the outbreaks of pneumonia and pneumonia have been reported in children in the region since October. Read:Khulna fisherman killed by tiger, body found According to hospital sources, 230 patients were admitted at the hospital with pneumonia in October, 160 in November and 102 till December 22. On the other hand, 256 patients were admitted with diarrhoea in October, 362 in November and 361 till December 23. However, last year, 87 patients were hospitalized with pneumonia in October, 115 in November and 71 in December. Besides, 319 patients were admitted to the hospital with diarrhoea in October last year, 401 in November and 618 in December.

Around 18% of children – 24,300 – in Bangladesh die from pneumonia every year before turning five. But sensitivity around this disease is still low.

Although he recovered from coronavirus, the health condition of Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury deteriorated on Tuesday.

At least five people, including a child, suffering from cold, fever, cough and respiratory problems died in Faridpur, Khulna, Brahmanbaria, Laxmipur, and Bhola between Friday night and Saturday morning.     In Khulna, a six-month-old baby suffering from cold, fever, cough and pneumonia died at the Isolation Unit of Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) in the morning.   KMCH Corona Unit Doctor Shailendranath Biswas said the baby died around 1am. His samples have been collected for coronavirus test.   The baby from the city’s Khalispur was hospitalised around 3pm and later transferred to the Isolation Unit, he added.   In Brahmanbaria, a woman suffering from fever, cold and breathing problem died at the district town in the morning.   The deceased was identified as Muna Begum, 35, wife of Bashir Ahmed.   She had been suffering from fever from March 31. After she was taken to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, doctors referred her to Dhaka.   But Muna did not agree to go Dhaka and was undergoing treatment at home, said Bashir. She died around 7am, he said adding that doctors have collected her samples for testing.   In Laxmipur, a 55-year-old man suffering from fever died at Charfolkon Jajira of Kamalnagar upazila on Friday night.   Civil Surgeon Abdul Gaffar said four houses were put under lockdown after the man died around 11:30pm.   His sample has been sent to Chattogram for coronavirus test, he added.   In Faridpur, a day labourer suffering from fever died in Madhukhali upazila.   The deceased was identified as Abdus Salam Mondol, 48, a resident of Khajura of Jashore.   Aminur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Madhukhali Police Station, said Salam was coming to the hospital but the van driver left him on the way fearing coronavirus infection.   He was later taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital (FMCH) on Friday night but he was already dead, said Dr Md Jewel of the emergency ward.   They have collected samples of the deceased and sent to IEDCR for testing, the doctor added.     In Bhola, a man with fever and breathing problems died at Charumed in Lalmohan upazila on Friday night.   After the death of Abul Kalam, 50, two villages were locked down, said Dr Mohsin Khan, resident medical officer of Lalmohan Health Complex.   He said the wife of Kalam’s elder son, who is a garment worker, returned from Dhaka seven days ago.   Kalam had been suffering from fever, diarrhoea and breathing complications for the last five days, the RMO said, adding that he was taken to the upazila health complex on Friday noon as his condition deteriorated.   He was later referred to Sadar Hospital but he died before he could be taken there.   However, Kalam was buried without informing the administration and hospital authorities.   Kalam’s samples that were collected before his death at Lalmohan Health Complex will be sent to Barishal on Saturday for test, said the RMO.   Current coronavirus situation   Coronavirus, first reported in China in December last year, has infected more than 1.7 million around the world.   The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus crisis a pandemic on March 11.   Until Saturday, the virus has killed more than 100,000 people. Currently, 1,221,285 people are being treated with 49,835 in serious or critical condition.   Bangladesh on Saturday reported three more deaths from coronavirus and 58 new cases.   The country has so far confirmed 482 cases and 30 deaths.   Health Minister Zahid Maleque said Dhaka’s Mirpur, Basabo and Narayangaj have so far been the most infected regions of the country.

Elton John canceled his two remaining New Zealand shows late Tuesday as he continued to suffer from a bout of pneumonia.

Boosting efforts to fight pneumonia could avert nearly 140,000 child deaths from pneumonia and other major diseases in Bangladesh, according to a new analysis.