Khaleda in very critical condition: Azam Khan

BNP Vice Chairman Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan has said that ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is in a very critical condition.

“Whether we say from CCU to ICU, or from ICU to ventilation, whatever we say, Madam is in a very critical condition. There is nothing more to say beyond this. We only ask the nation to pray for Madam,” he said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Khaleda Zia’s former press secretary, Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel, shared a brief update on Facebook, stating, “Madam is being supported on ventilation in the ICU. We pray for Allah’s special mercy.” Following this post, concern among party leaders and activists increased further.

When asked about the matter, BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said all health-related decisions concerning the Chairperson are taken by the doctors. “Whenever the doctors officially provide any information, we will inform accordingly. We make a special request to the media not to release information from any other sources,” he said.

Shairul also urged the media to rely only on official updates regarding Khaleda Zia’s treatment. “We request not to use statements from anyone other than her personal physician and permanent committee member, Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain,” he added. He also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumors or misleading information.

The 79-year-old Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various health problems for a long time, including liver complications and decreased kidney function. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on 23 November. Concern within the party has grown as her condition has continued to deteriorate under doctors’ supervision.

BNP leaders and activists from different parts of the country are gathering daily in front of the hospital.