Khaleda Zia responding to treatment: Dr Zahid

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain has said that the former prime minister is responding to the treatment provided by the medical board.

“Alhamdulillah, her condition has remained stable for the last three days--27, 28 and 29 November. In medical terms, she is maintaining the treatment, meaning she can take the treatment the doctors are giving her,” he said.

Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member and a member of medical board overseeing her treatment, made the remarks while briefing reporters in front of Evercare Hospital on Saturday night.

He urged the people of the country to pray for her so that she can continue the treatment and recover fully.

About the possibility of taking her abroad, he said any decision will depend on her overall condition and the medical board’s recommendation. “When a decision is made, it will be informed.”

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of 23 November after tests detected an infection in her lungs. BNP leaders earlier said her condition became “critical” from Thursday. She has been under treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) since 27 November.

Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been closely monitoring her treatment. “He is in constant contact with the doctors and the medical board to ensure that her treatment continues without interruption,” he noted.

He said Khaleda Zia is receiving support from her family members — including Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, and her younger brother Shamim Eskander — as well as BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and all members of the Standing Committee.

Her treatment is also continuing with the full cooperation of the doctors, officials and nurses at Evercare Hospital, he added.

The BNP leader said the medical team is working based on joint consultations with doctors from the UK, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, China, and leading hospitals in the United States, including Johns Hopkins and Mount Sinai. “Her treatment will continue following these joint discussions.”

He again called upon everyone to pray for her recovery and expressed gratitude to those, including members of the Interim Government’s Advisory Council, who have already urged the nation to pray for her.

Professor Zahid also requested BNP leaders and activists not to crowd the hospital. “There are around 300 other patients here. We must make sure their treatment is not disturbed.”

He mentioned that many heads of state and government, as well as several countries, have expressed concern about Khaleda Zia’s health. “The Acting Chairman has extended his gratitude to all of them,” he said.