Medical board prepares to fly Khaleda abroad
The medical board overseeing BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s treatment has completed all formal preparations to take her abroad, though doctors say she remains unfit for air travel at the moment.
Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna shared the update after visiting Evercare Hospital in the capital on Saturday, November 29. “Doctors have said her condition is still not suitable for flying. Nonetheless, all arrangements have been made. Singapore is the first option, followed by several European countries,” he said.
According to Manna, Khaleda Zia’s condition remains “critical but unchanged” – neither improved nor further deteriorated.
Her doctors have again sought prayers from the public.
Khaleda Zia, nearly 80, suffering from multiple chronic and acute complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with lung infection and cardiac issues. She is under continuous monitoring by local and foreign specialists at the CCU.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains critical but stable. She told reporters after visiting her at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Saturday.
“She is in intensive care, conscious and alert. Her condition is critical, but she is fighting. She is receiving advanced treatment,” said Tasnim Zara, who herself is a physician.
She added that Khaleda Zia “has always fought above political lines,” and urged everyone to pray for her recovery.
Plans for London transfer if condition improves
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin said Khaleda Zia’s family is preparing to take her to London if her health stabilises even slightly. In a post from his verified Facebook profile on Saturday, he said Khaleda’s treatment is being coordinated jointly by local and overseas specialists.
Mahdi wrote that Tarique Rahman and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman – also a key member of the medical board – are in constant communication with attending physicians from London. “Tarique Rahman is supervising every step to ensure there is no delay or limitation in his mother’s treatment,” he said.
He added that while large numbers of BNP leaders and activists gather at the hospital every day, no one is allowed inside the CCU due to infection risk. Contact has already been made with London-based hospitals that treated her earlier this year, and arrangements for a specialised air ambulance with advanced life-support technology are underway.
Mahdi expressed hope that with prayers and goodwill from the public, Khaleda Zia will recover enough to resume her political role.
President Shahabuddin wishes Khaleda Zia speedy recovery
President Mohammad Shahabuddin has expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s condition and wished her a quick recovery. In a message issued by his Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Sagar Hossain on Saturday, the President said: “At this juncture of democratic transition, I wish former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery. I pray to Almighty Allah for her well-being and call upon the nation to pray for her recovery.”
Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital under tight medical supervision amid heightened public and political attention.
BNP warns hospital crowds disrupting treatment
The BNP has warned that large gatherings of party leaders, activists, and supporters outside the hospital are hampering her medical care.
In a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday, the party requested its members and well-wishers not to gather at the hospital.
The statement noted that supporters from various walks of life have been converging on Evercare out of “emotion and respect,” but the growing crowd is disrupting medical services for Khaleda Zia and other patients.
“For this reason, the BNP and the family of the national leader are making a special request to leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers to refrain from gathering at Evercare Hospital,” the statement said.