No concrete update on Khaleda Zia’s health

The BNP or the hospital authorities didn't give any concrete and clear information about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday. 

However, BNP Chairperson's personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said that the former Prime Minister is responding to treatment being provided by her medical team.

"Begum Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital since November 27 and is responding to the treatment being provided by the doctors," Dr. Zahid said at a press briefing outside the hospital around 12:30 pm on Tuesday.

He added that advice is being sought from the medical board on whether her condition is suitable for travel abroad.

"There is no scope to take her abroad without the medical board's advice. A specialist medical team from the UK will arrive. Taking her to London will be considered based on the opinion of the coordinated medical team," he said.

Expressing gratitude to international leaders and diplomats for their concern, Dr. Zahid said, "We thank the heads of many states and diplomats who are inquiring about Khaleda Zia's health and wishing her well."

He also urged the public to ignore rumors and rely only on official statements. "Do not pay heed to anyone's statements except mine and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. On behalf of the family and the party, we request that no rumors be spread regarding Begum Khaleda Zia's treatment," he said.

Dr. Zahid further mentioned that the government is providing continuous support for her treatment and called for the blessings of the people during this critical time.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has started receiving special security from Special Security Force (SSF) personnel.

SSF members began providing security to Begum Khaleda Zia as a "Very Very Important Person (VVIP)" from 2:20pm yesterday.

Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP's media cell, confirmed the matter.

Earlier, the government has announced BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a "Very Very Important Person (VVIP)."

The government declared former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a "very important person" under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021.

Meanwhile, the chiefs of the three armed services visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital last night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR).

The military's media wing said in a statement that Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met the former Prime Minister, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Their vehicles were seen entering the hospital's main gate around 9pm. They stayed inside for a short while before leaving shortly after 9:20pm.

BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said the service chiefs spoke with Khaleda's family members and doctors, adding that they offered prayers for her recovery.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Nov 23. Her condition became "critical" on Nov 27, prompting the medical board to shift her to the Critical Care Unit for intensive treatment.