Evercare Hospital crowds drop brings relief to patients, families

A noticeable drop in crowds outside Evercare Hospital on Thursday brought much-needed relief to other patients and their families, following days of congestion linked to the hospitalisation of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The eighty-year-old former prime minister has been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the past 12 days in critical condition. She is being treated for multiple chronic conditions, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes.

Since her admission, large numbers of BNP leaders and supporters had gathered outside the hospital, blocking roads, slowing emergency access, and disrupting daily operations. But by 10:00 am on Thursday, coinciding with her 12th day of hospitalisation, no party members were visible in the area. Law enforcement remained stationed at the entrance, but the usual commotion had subsided, allowing patients and visitors to move freely.

Kamrul Islam, a cardiac patient admitted for nine days, was accompanied by his brother Anwar, who stepped outside briefly around 9:30 am. “The past days have been extremely difficult,” Anwar told reporters. “Crowds blocked entrances, made it hard to get medicines, and disturbed patients who need rest. Today feels different, peaceful. Everyone should pray for Begum Khaleda Zia’s recovery from their homes, not here.”

A police officer on duty said, “Managing the flow of supporters was tough.”

“Hospitals are places of healing, not protest or assembly. So far today, it’s been calm. We hope it continues,” he added.

Fakhrul Alam, a resident of a building opposite the hospital, noted that while Khaleda Zia commands respect across political lines, public concern should not compromise healthcare access. “People care deeply, that’s understandable. But crowding a medical facility creates unnecessary hardship. Prayers don’t require presence; they require sincerity.”

MHK