Published: 07:56 AM, 02 December 2025
Growing concerns over Khaleda Zia’s health; Chinese team joins medical efforts
Govt declares ex PM
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is undergoing medical treatment at Evercare Hospitral in Dhaka. - Collected
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a critical state as her health deteriorated on Sunday night (November 30), prompting the involvement of a specialised Chinese medical team to assist in her care.
Since her admission to Evercare Hospital on November 23, Khaleda Zia has been under intensive treatment in the hospital's Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for multiple complications affecting her liver, kidneys and heart.
On Sunday night, her condition worsened and she was placed on ventilator support.
Meanwhile, a five-member team of Chinese specialists arrived in Dhaka on Monday to support the ongoing treatment.
The delegation held discussions with the hospital's medical board, reviewing Khaleda Zia's condition and consulting with local doctors on necessary medical measures.
The main group of specialists is expected to arrive later, depending on her condition, said Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the hospital's medical board and cardiologist.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Khaleda Zia continues to be in critical condition, with local and foreign doctors coordinating her care.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged all to disregard any rumours or misleading statements about her health, noting that she remains under intensive treatment at Evercare Hospital.
Speaking at a prayer event in Mohammadpur on Monday, Rizvi described Khaleda Zia as a 'beloved figure of the nation,' recalling her personal suffering, including the loss of her son while in captivity and enduring years of oppression.
"Despite all conspiracies and attempts to remove her from her own country, she remained steadfast. Today, the entire nation is praying for her," he said.
Earlier, BNP Vice-Chairman Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan also confirmed that Khaleda Zia had been placed on ventilation support after her condition took a critical turn. The party has announced that all official updates regarding her health will be communicated exclusively by Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee.
The party has appealed to the nation to pray for her recovery and to avoid spreading unverified information.
Meanwhile, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul commented on the possible return of BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, saying there is no legal barrier preventing him from coming back to Bangladesh.
He emphasised that the decision rests with Tarique Rahman, noting the deeply personal nature of the situation, "We must understand that this is a mother-son relationship. He knows best when to come and when to take any action."
Meanwhile, the interim government has declared BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia a Very Important Person (VIP), authorising the Special Security Force (SSF) to provide her with official protection.
The notification was issued on Monday night by the Office of the Chief Advisor.
Under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, the government has designated former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a VIP, with the order taking immediate effect, the notification said.
The 79-year old former premier, currently in critical condition, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past week.
This is not the first time she has been given this designation. In 2008, ahead of the general election, both Khaleda and Awami League chief and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were briefly declared VIPs by the then military-installed caretaker government.
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