Beijing steps in for Khaleda’s care, BNP cautions against rumour mill

A high-level medical team from China has arrived in Dhaka to assist in the treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition in Evercare Hospital, BNP leaders said.

According to a senior BNP official, the delegation includes five to six specialist physicians sent with the approval of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

BNP leaders had earlier said that Beijing expressed interest on Saturday, November 30, in dispatching medical experts to support Khaleda Zia’s treatment. 

Party officials also noted that specialists from multiple countries had been monitoring her condition.

On Monday, December 1, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters, “Madam is receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital. The party will provide health updates. Please do not be misled by any misinformation.”

“Specialist doctors are constantly attending to her. The treatment is ongoing – that is the update we have. Please pray so that Allah returns her to us in good health,” he added.

He urged party leaders, activists, and citizens to pray sincerely for her recovery.

Earlier in the day, BNP Vice-Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan said Khaleda Zia’s condition had been “very critical” since last night, November 30.

Speaking outside Evercare Hospital, he said, “She is in a deep condition. You can say she is on ventilation. You can say she is in a very critical condition. There is nothing more we can do except seek prayers from the whole nation.”

Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman wrote in a Facebook post on November 29 that he wished to return to Bangladesh from London to be by his mother’s side but said the decision was “not entirely” his to make.