The BNP public rally demanding the unconditional release of its ailing Chairperson Khaleda Zia has begun in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office with the participation of thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies. The rally formally began around 2:42 pm on Saturday (June 29, 2024) with the recitation from the holy Quran. BNP leaders and activists have started gathering before the party’s Nayapaltan central office with processions carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders from different parts of Dhaka since morning braving bad weather to join the rally. Among the associate bodies, former Jubo Dal General Secretary Abdul Monayem Munna staged a showdown by joining the rally with a big procession. BNP activists gather at Nayapaltan to join rally demanding Khaleda’s unconditional release BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will address the program as the chief guest. Additional police have been deployed in Nayapaltan and its surrounding areas to maintain law and order. Earlier on Wednesday, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam announced a three-day countrywide program demanding the unconditional release of Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. As part of the programs, the party is holding the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office today. Besides, the BNP leader said their party will hold rallies in all metropolitan cities on July 1 and in all district headquarters on July 3. BNP, allies to launch simultaneous movement against govt soon: Fakhrul Khaleda Zia was rushed to Evercare Hospital in an ambulance at around 3:30 am on June 22 after suddenly falling ill at her Gulshan residence. A team of specialist doctors, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, successfully implanted a pacemaker in her chest the following day. She is now receiving treatment in a cabin with CCU facilities at the hospital. On June 11, 2022, Khaleda Zia was diagnosed with three blockages in her heart, one of which was 95% blocked and was treated with stent placement at that time. Khaleda, a former prime minister, aged 79, has long battled various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidney, lung, heart, and eyes. Since her conditional release from jail in 2020, the BNP chief has been receiving treatment frequently at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Khaleda was sent to Old Dhaka Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. BNP announces 3-day programme for Khaleda Zia's unconditional release Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she stay in her Gulshan house and not leave the country. That has since been extended multiple times to keep her out of jail. Khaleda's doctors have been recommending sending her abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. On October 26 last year, three US specialist doctors completed the hepatic procedure known as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS procedure) to stop water accretion in Khaleda Zia's stomach and chest, and bleeding in her liver.

The medical board at Evercare Hospital on Monday recommended that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia be urgently sent to a multidisciplinary center abroad soon as there are now no treatment options available for her in Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at the hospital, the board also said the 78-year-old former prime minister’s life is at risk because of a lack of proper treatment to stop water accretion in her stomach and chest, internal bleeding and infections caused by her liver cirrhosis problem. “Begum Khaleda Zia has been admitted here for the fourth time…her condition is complicated,” the chief of the medical board, Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, said. Read: Khaleda’s doctors to hold press conference on ex-PM's condition Monday He said a critical patient like Khaleda could collapse suddenly as she has been suffering from various diseases.  “Madam (Khaleda) has heart disease with a stent (placed into a coronary artery) and two blockages. So, there’s a chance of collapsing when the fluid is removed (from her stomach and lungs). She had to be taken to the CCU to get the water out. This is the reality,” he said. Dr FM Siddique, a member of the medical board, said the BNP chairperson is not getting the treatment she needs at the moment for liver cirrhosis. He said, “We’ve done all that we can. She needs to be taken to any advanced centre abroad  for necessary treatment.” Siddique said the opposition BNP chief’s condition is gradually worsening because of a lack of “proper treatment.” Read: No politics behind denying permission for Khaleda’s treatment abroad: Law Minister He said Khaleda is now facing water accretion in her stomach and chest, infections, and a small amount of bleeding in her stomach. “This time she was given four bags of blood in the hospital. The actual situation is very complex and difficult. We have now reached a situation where we have no more option to treat her (in the country),” the physician said. He lamented that a curable disease cannot be treated in the country due to lack of an advanced medical centre in Bangladesh. Siddique said though Khaleda’s condition is slowly getting worse, the time is not over yet to treat her abroad. “As per the medical board’s unanimous decision, I want to convey to all concerned that there’s still time to treat her with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and also to transplant her liver at any advanced multidisciplinary center abroad. Perhaps, we still have this option to improve her condition,” the doctor said. He said TIPS is necessary immediately to stop water from accumulating in her stomach and chest and internal bleeding. “TIPS is a live savings procedure which is not available in Bangladesh. Liver transplantation is also not possible in Bangladesh either." Another medical board member Professor AKM Mohsin said liver transplantation cannot be done in Bangladesh for lack of required setup, equipment, and manpower. “One or two livers were transplanted here (Bangladesh) on an experimental basis. But we don't have the setup and required manpower for liver transplantation here. We don't have such surgery here," he said. Mentioning that Khaleda Zia's condition is critical, Prof Mohsin said there is no setup in Bangladesh for her treatment with TRIPS and for her liver transplantation. Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, another medical board member said the BNP chief has been suffering from many diseases, including liver cirrhosis. “Liver cirrhosis causes many serious complications such as abdominal bleeding and water accretion in her stomach and chest.” He said infection caused by ascites is also a serious complication that put Khaleda’s life at risk. Ahmed voiced concern that high doses of antibiotics are not working on Khaleda due to their frequent use.  "In his critical condition, we are not allowing her to be taken home as carious complications and infections are appearing.” BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka under the supervision of a 15-member medical board, led by a specialist doctor, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, since August 9. She has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems. On September 5, Khaleda’s brother Shamim Iskandar submitted an application to the government, seeking her unconditional release and permission to take her abroad for treatment at an “advanced medical center” on an urgent basis to save her life. However, the law ministry denied permission to take her abroad for better treatment, suggesting that she must first return to jail to serve her graft sentence and then apply to the court to get permission in this regard. Law Minister Anisul Huq said there is no chance to open the petition, which has already been disposed of as per Section 401 of the CrPC. “We gave the opinion that the petition disposed under Section 401 is a past and closed transaction. There is no other scope to open it,” he said. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order by suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she would stay at her Gulshan house and would not leave the country. Later, the government extended the tenure of suspension of Khaleda’s sentence for the eighth time.

A group of pro-BNP journalists on Saturday demanded the government take necessary steps to ensure advanced treatment for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia abroad. The demand was made in a statement signed by 1,557 journalists from across the country. Dhaka Union of Journalist (DUJ) president Kader Gani Chowdhury issued the statement. “Begum Khaleda Zia's physical condition is currently at high risk. Under such a situation, there shouldn’t be any politics over her treatment,” the statement said. As a top politician in the country, a former prime minister, a senior citizen, a woman and as a prisoner, they think Khaleda has the minimum human rights to receive proper and advanced treatment. “It’s our responsibility as a nation to ensure her fundamental rights and justice. So, we sincerely call upon the government to allow Khaleda Zia to receive advanced treatment abroad through freeing her on bail by the court,” the statement added. Also read: BNP seeks govt’s prompt steps to send Khaleda abroad The journalists hoped that the government will show sympathy towards Khaleda rising above politics considering her overall contributions to the country as a patriotic politician and the difficult period of her old age. They said people will take it positively if the government takes steps for removing the barriers towards sending Khaleda abroad for treatment. The signatories to the statement include senior journalists Reaz Uddin Ahmed, Alamgir Mohiuddin, Aman Ullah, Abul Asad, Shawkat Mahmud, Rezwan Siddiqui, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Salahuddin Mohammad Babar, Syed Mejbah Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Hai Sikder, Ershad Majumder, Kamal Uddin Sabuj, Syed Abdal Ahmed, Masumur Rahman Khalili, Aminur Rahman Sarkar, M Abdullah, Nurul Amin Rokon, MA Aziz, Quader Gani Chowdhury, Ilias Khan, Shakhawat Hossain Badshah, Rafiqul Islam Azad, Kazi Rawnak Hossain, Bakhtiar Rana, Nuruddin Ahmed, Mahmuda Chowdhury, Nirmal Chakraborty and Khurshid Alam. On June 19, Khaleda Zia got back home from the capital’s Evercare Hospital after 53 days of treatment for Covid infections and other physical complications. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir at a recent press conference said Khaleda has a heart problem and her kidney and liver complications are very critical and she needs treatment at an advanced centre abroad. Her family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s condition is stable, but she has not yet fully recovered from various diseases, her personal physician Dr FM Siddique said on Saturday. “Alhamdulillah, she (Khaleda) is stable. That doesn't mean that she's fully well,” he told reporters at a briefing at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan residence. The physician said the medical team formed at Evercare Hospital together with experts from outside the country will continue Khaleda’s treatment at her house for the time being by keeping her under close observation. Earlier, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia got back home from the capital’s Evercare Hospital after 54 days of treatment for Covid infections and other physical complications. She was released from the hospital around 8:10pm and she reached her Gulshan residence, Firoza, around 8:35pm. Also read: Khaleda discharged from hospital after 54 days Explaining the BNP chief’s health condition, Dr FM Siddique said the critical condition of her heart, liver and kidneys caused by Covid complications eased to some extent. “But those illnesses still remain and we’ve not yet been able to complete the treatment and necessary process to address them. So, the risk is there for her.” He said they have planned to treat her at home, but she may be taken to the hospital after two or three weeks for reviewing her condition. "The complications she has are primary diseases. We’ve taken some decisions from the medical board to treat them.” Asked whether it is necessary to send Khaleda abroad for advanced treatment, the physician said they have been able to control some of the complications to some extent by continuing her treatment. “We’ve detected problems in her liver, but the assessment should be done at an advanced centre to apply artificial liver support and other advanced technologies, if necessary. Or else, this could affect the whole body and cause some major complications. We don't think we have that kind of technology or that kind of advanced treatment support in Bangladesh,” FM Siddique observed. Replying to a question as to why the BNP chief was brought back home without her full recovery, he said it has now become risky to keep her in the hospital for a long time since she had been affected with blood infections thrice.” Earlier in the day, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to the hospital and talked to the doctors about her health condition and release. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus, but the BNP chief was staying in the hospital for treatment for various comorbidities and post-Covid complications. Also read: Khaleda in vulnerable condition: Fakhrul Her family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down. Also read: Khaleda struggling to survive: Abbas Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital, was taken back to a cabin from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital on Thursday, just after a month. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said she was moved to the cabin around 5pm as per the advice of her physicians. "Madame (Khaleda) has been brought to the cabin as her long stay in the CCU is risky. As she has already had infections there, the doctors have advised taking her back to the cabin,” he said. Also read: Post-Covid complications affected Khaleda’s heart, kidneys: Fakhrul He said the BNP chief will be given treatment for post-Covid complications with CCU facilities in the cabin. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. Also read: Remove barriers to sending Khaleda abroad: BNP On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus, but the BNP chief has still been suffering from post-Covid complications. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still suffering from post-Covid complications along with comorbidities, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Sunday. “Madam is still in CCU where her post-covid complications are being treated,” he told UNB. Zahid said doctors are treating her after conducting  intensive tests for various post-Covid problems. “The medical board is regularly examining her health and reviewing the reports and the improvement in her condition. Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor Asked when she may be shifted to the cabin or released from the hospital, he said, “It depends on the medical board’s decision and her (Khaleda’s) health condition. “As a doctor, I can’t make any prediction about it since she is still suffering from post-Covid complications. It’s a process of long-term treatment.” She has also been suffering from various complications, including diabetes, heart and kidney problems. He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. The BNP chief’s family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down as a convicted person cannot avail of such a scope. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government released Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities. "She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.” He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda. But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.” Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor “The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said. He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.” Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.” He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment. Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.” The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents. “You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed. The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers  He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her.  Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.” Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope. On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level. “I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital. He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs. He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement  in her condition.” The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.” Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The government on Sunday turned down the application of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. “The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office. The minister said they will soon inform the BNP chief’s family about their decision. He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time. Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.” Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said there is no chance of allowing Khaleda Zia to go abroad for medical treatment. “I’ve sent my legal opinion in this regard to the Home Ministry.” “Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained. He said when a decision has already been made as per section 401 of the CrPC, the function of this section is over regarding her and there is no scope to reopen it. “So, she (Khaleda) can’t be sent abroad.” Also read: Khaleda applies for passport renewal to go aboard: Lawyer BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir may come up with the party’s official reaction to the government decision after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital at night.  Meanwhile, M Asaduzzam, a pro-BNP lawyer, described the law minister’s explanation as per-incuriam. He said Section 401(1) of the CrPC says, "When any person has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, the Government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his/her sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he/she has been sentenced." The section 401 (4A) says: “The provision of the above sub-sections shall also apply to any order passed by a Criminal Court under any section of this Code or of any other law, which restricts the liberty of any person or impose any liability upon him or his property.” “As per these sections, the government has the scope to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad.. it’s the government’s inherent power,” Asad opined. Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul He said the government can allow any person to go abroad even if any court imposes any travel ban on him/her. On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Later, the application was sent to the Law Ministry for its opinion. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Sunday morning sent his ministry’s opinion to the Home Ministry. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia improved slightly on Saturday, but she still needs the oxygen support as her saturation level still fluctuates due to post-Covid complications, said a member of her personal medical team member. “Madam is still being given the oxygen support, though her overall condition marked a little improvement. Her oxygen level is coming down to 90 percent when there's  no oxygen support,” he said. The physician, wishing anonymity, said though the  amount of fluid in her lungs has decreased, It's still being extracted from her lungs which is now a matter of concern. He said the BNP chief’s blood sugar level is gradually coming under control while pain in her joins has relieved significantly. Also read: Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor Replying to a question, the doctor said if the trend of improvement in her condition continues, then Khaleda will be able to fly abroad soon. Meanwhile, a BNP senior leader said they have got a positive signal from the government to send her abroad for advanced treatment. He said all the necessary preparations have been taken to take Khaleda to London or Singapore. The BNP leader claimed the BNP chief might leave the country either on Sunday night or the following day if her condition doesn’t deteriorate again. “She’ll be taken to Singapore instead of London, if her condition worsens." He also said Khaleda’s brother Shamim Iskander and his wife Kaniz Fatema and her domestic help Fatema will accompany the BNP chief during her travel abroad. Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul Earlier on Friday, Khaleda’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the 10-member medical board formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government gives her permission to leave the country. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. Also read: Khaleda shifted to CCU with breathing problem: Doctor She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on Monday last.  On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.