Former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia remains in a critical but unchanged physical condition, according to doctors overseeing her care at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. She has been under close monitoring by a joint team of local and foreign specialists, who say she is still able to receive treatment.
Medical professionals involved in her care have indicated that a decision on whether Khaleda can be moved abroad for advanced treatment will depend entirely on her clinical improvement. Physicians from the United Kingdom are expected to arrive to assess her condition, while a five-member medical delegation from China has already joined the team at the hospital.
Following the government’s decision to declare Khaleda Zia an “very very important person,” the Special Security Force (SSF) began providing VVIP-grade security at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Entry restrictions have been tightened, with only essential individuals connected to the patient allowed inside the facility.
Earlier in the day, around 12:30pm, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told a press briefing that Khaleda Zia is currently able to receive the treatment being administered. He reiterated that any decision about sending her abroad will be based strictly on the medical board’s assessment and her physical stability.
He added that BNP is fully prepared to move her abroad if doctors recommend it but emphasised that no step can be taken outside the board’s directive. He said, “Specialists from the United Kingdom will come to see her. They will see her. After seeing her, if she is transferable, if transfer is required, and if the medical board thinks so, then she will be taken abroad appropriately for treatment.”
Dr Zahid, also a Standing Committee member of BNP, urged media outlets to refrain from speculation, requesting both the press and the public to avoid spreading or reacting to rumours.
In an emotional tone, he said, “Allah’s infinite mercy is upon us that the treatment the doctors are giving, Begum Khaleda Zia is able to receive. Our party has already told you how we will give you information. Khaleda Zia is the symbol of the people’s genuine love, and that has been proven today. In this critical moment, we ask the countrymen, through you, to pray for her recovery.”
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has also called for patience, while maintaining continuous communication with the international and local medical teams. According to Dr Zahid, “It will not be possible to ensure proper treatment without everyone’s cooperation.”
He noted that friendly countries—including the United States, the United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and India—have extended cooperation regarding Khaleda Zia’s treatment. “Many heads of government and state have extended their hands of cooperation regarding this treatment,” he said.
Khaleda Zia has been admitted at Evercare Hospital since 23 November. The medical board overseeing her care is led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder and includes a wide range of senior Bangladeshi physicians: Professor FM Siddiqui, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Professor AQM Mohsin, Professor Shamsul Arefin, Professor Ziaul Haque, Professor Masum Kamal, Professor AZM Saleh, and retired brigadier general Saiful Islam, along with Dr Zafar Iqbal.
Foreign specialists include Professor Habibur Rahman, Professor Rafiquddin Ahmed, Professor John Hamilton and Professor Dr Hamid Rob from the United States; and from the United Kingdom, Professor John Patrick, Professor Jennifer Cross and Dr Zubaida Rahman. The multinational team has been jointly coordinating her treatment, and since 27 November Khaleda has been under care at the hospital’s Critical Care Unit.
The former prime minister was hospitalised after suffering respiratory distress linked to a lung infection, which later developed into pneumonia. Pre-existing kidney, liver, arthritis and diabetes complications have further exacerbated her condition. BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described her health status as “extremely critical,” while Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus has also expressed deep concern and requested the nation to pray for her recovery.
Across the country, daily prayers are being held in mosques, madrasas, temples, churches, schools and universities for her wellbeing, reflecting widespread public concern.
From London, her daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman—herself a member of the medical board—has been monitoring Khaleda Zia’s condition closely. At the hospital, her younger son’s widow Shamila Rahman Sithi has been by her side continuously. Senior BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul and members of the party’s standing committee, have been visiting Evercare regularly to stay updated on her condition.
Due to infection risks, most visitors do not enter the CCU, instead observing from outside whenever possible, hospital sources say.
