Khaleda Zia’s physical condition improves slightly

The physical condition of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia has shown slight improvement. Yesterday, Sunday, she was able to make limited movements in her hospital bed and responded during conversations.

Multiple responsible sources among her physicians and BNP leaders confirmed this to Prothom Alo.

However, they stated that although there has been some improvement over the past two days, Khaleda Zia has not yet reached a risk-free condition. Her treatment is continuing under the supervision of both local and foreign medical specialists.

According to these sources, although the family remains concerned, no decision has yet been taken regarding taking Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment as of yesterday, Sunday.

Transporting her overseas would involve a long flight, physical strain during the journey and environmental changes all of which present significant risks. She has not yet reached a condition where such risks can be taken.

At this moment, the physicians priority is to ensure the highest possible standard of treatment within the country and stabilise her condition.

New information has come along that, Khaleda Zia also underwent kidney dialysis yesterday, Sunday. However, she is still unable to consume regular food as her physical condition has not improved to that level.

Khaleda Zia has been bedridden in hospital for a week with serious illness. Complications arising from her liver condition, reduced kidney function, breathing difficulties and other simultaneous medical issues have made her treatment more challenging.

Due to a deterioration in her condition over recent days, she has been kept in a High Dependency Unit (HDU), which offers care equivalent to an ICU.

Her physicians have said that the complications involving her kidneys, fluid retention in the body and breathing difficulties must be treated in a highly coordinated and cautious manner.

According to the physicians, Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is more stable than before. AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the medical board treating her and a BNP leader, indicated this at a briefing on Saturday night.

Speaking to journalists, AZM Zahid Hossain said that Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment being provided. The current aim of the physicians is to determine how quickly she can be brought to a condition fit enough to withstand the strain of air travel for advanced medical care abroad. However, her condition is not yet stable enough for overseas transfer.

A source close to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman told Prothom Alo Sunday, that the family’s primary objective at this moment is to take Khaleda Zia abroad. Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman are personally overseeing the matter and communicating with relevant parties.

BNP leaders continue to enquire about Khaleda Zia’s condition daily. However, the party has requested that leaders and activists refrain from gathering in front of the hospital.

To mark the month of victory, BNP had announced a programme titled 'Victory torch roadshow' starting from 1 December. Due to Khaleda Zia’s illness, the party suspended the programme Sunday.

At an emergency press conference held at the BNP headquarters in Naya Paltan Sunday afternoon, the party’s senior joint secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the decision.

He said that the party’s chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is engaged in a life and death struggle at Evercare Hospital. Given her critical condition, the BNP is suspending the announced programme.

Rizvi added, “We are all praying to Almighty Allah every moment. Not only BNP leaders and activists, but people from other political parties, organisations and supporters are also praying for her.”

On Saturday, BNP had announced a fortnight-long victory torch roadshow throughout the country to mark Victory Day. The programme was scheduled to begin today, 1 December, at Kalurghat in Chattogram.

It was planned that the roadshow would travel through various districts and divisions and conclude with a grand rally on 16 December at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. However, within a day, the BNP suspended the programme.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of 23 November. Following tests, physician detected an infection in her lungs.

Meanwhile, the BNP secretary general stated on Thursday that her condition was “extremely critical.” The next day he added that she was not in any physical condition suitable for travel abroad for advanced treatment.

At Sunday’s press conference regarding the suspension of the Victory torch roadshow, senior joint secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also spoke about Khaleda Zia’s latest condition.

He said, “From what I have learnt today, her (Khaleda Zia’s) physical condition remains unchanged and the medical board has not yet given any recommendation regarding taking her abroad.”