Khaleda’s condition unchanged, BNP postpones Dec programmes
The health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has shown no improvement and remains critical, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced on Sunday.
Speaking at an emergency press conference at the BNP’s Naya Paltan office in the capital, Rizvi said the 79-year-old opposition leader’s condition had not changed. A medical board overseeing her treatment at Evercare Hospital has yet to issue any recommendation on sending her abroad for further care.
“Khaleda Zia’s physical condition has not changed. The medical board has not yet given any advice regarding treatment abroad. No decision can be taken on this matter without the board’s recommendation,” he told journalists.
In light of her illness, the BNP has postponed all scheduled programmes for December – traditionally observed as the Month of Victory in Bangladesh – and appealed to the nation to pray for her speedy recovery.
Rizvi also urged party leaders, activists and well-wishers to refrain from gathering in large numbers outside the hospital, warning that excessive crowding was disrupting medical activities.
“We request everyone not to crowd in front of the hospital. Please offer prayers for her recovery from wherever you are,” he said.
He added that BNP leaders remain in regular contact with the doctors, and the medical board is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the former prime minister’s condition.
Khaleda Zia, who has long battled heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, kidney complications and other ailments, was rushed to Evercare Hospital last Sunday after experiencing breathing difficulties.
On Saturday, her personal physician, Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that her condition had remained unchanged for the past three days.
The BNP’s decision to suspend its December activities underscores the gravity of the situation surrounding the health of one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political figures.