Staff Reporter :
The country remains on the edge as BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia continues to receive critical care at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital, where she has been in the Coronary Care Unit since November 27.
Her personal physician and BNP standing committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday that the medical board is working “round the clock,” with foreign specialists flying in again from the United Kingdom to examine her condition.
Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital, Dr. Zahid said the board has been closely assessing whether she can be transferred abroad for advanced treatment. “As I have said before, the members of the medical board have seen her.
Today as well, specialists from the UK will come to see her and review her condition,” he said. “If, after their assessment, she is deemed transferable and the board feels the need for it, then at the appropriate time she will be taken abroad for treatment.”
“We are fully prepared. But we must keep in mind that given the patient’s current condition, and above all, the advice of the medical board, we have no scope at this moment to do anything beyond their recommendations.”
He added that all preparations for transferring her out of the country have already been made, but stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the medical board. “We have every preparation in place. But above all, we must remember that given her current condition, nothing can be done outside the board’s advice.”
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday night visited Evercare Hospital and inquired Khaleda Zia’s health conditions.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare on November 23 with severe lung and heart infections. She has for years suffered from liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, kidney complications, chronic lung conditions and eye ailments.
Dr. Zahid said she is “able to maintain and receive treatment,” and urged people not to pay attention to rumours circulating on social media. “We request everyone not to spread or believe any misinformation,” he said.
BNP leaders say party acting chairman Tarique Rahman has been supervising his mother’s treatment “constantly” from London through direct communication with both local and foreign specialists. Dr. Zahid added that the interim government, along with the United States, China, Pakistan and India, has extended cooperation regarding medical support and consultations.
Amid the growing concern, the interim government has declared Khaleda Zia a “Very Very Important Person,” assigning her VVIP status with immediate effect. A statement from the chief adviser’s press wing said the decision was taken at a special meeting of the advisers’ council on Tuesday at Jamuna State Guest House.
The meeting also offered prayers for her recovery and appealed to the nation to do the same.
Following the declaration, members of the Special Security Force began providing security to Khaleda Zia at 2:20pm on Tuesday, confirmed BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
The government directive instructs all relevant agencies to ensure smooth medical care, enhanced security, and logistical support for any potential medical evacuation abroad, depending on the board’s recommendation. Khaleda Zia’s family and party have been formally informed of the new arrangements.
Across Bangladesh, anxiety and prayer have become part of daily life as the 80-year-old former prime minister fights for recovery. Mosques, homes, neighbourhood spaces and BNP offices have turned into informal circles of supplication, with thousands offering special prayers for her health.
The outpouring reflects not only deep concern for a political leader but the emotional weight carried by her long and complicated medical battle.
With UK specialists arriving once again today and the medical board continuing its evaluation, the decision on whether Khaleda Zia will be transferred abroad remains pending. For now, the country waits — anxious, prayerful and unsure — as one of Bangladesh’s most consequential political figures remains in a fragile but closely monitored state in the CCU.
