BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been placed under intensive medical observation at Evercare Hospital in the capital, Dhaka, after being rushed there with acute respiratory distress on Sunday evening.
A medical source confirmed that the veteran leader’s breathing difficulties are a result of an infection that has spread to both her heart and lungs.
The 79-year-old former Prime Minister was urgently admitted to Evercare Hospital around 8:00 PM on Sunday. She is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of specialist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder.
Doctors Confirm Dual Infection
Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her care, informed journalists that the combination of a chest infection and her pre-existing heart condition has made the situation critical.
“She has a chest infection. She already had pre-existing heart issues. The infection has now affected both her heart and lungs, causing severe respiratory distress. That is why we brought her here urgently,” Professor Siddiqui stated on Sunday.
He added that upon admission, rapid tests were conducted, and she was immediately started on antibiotics and other necessary emergency medication.
Another medical board member, who requested anonymity, indicated that further tests were carried out today, Monday, and that the medical team will continue to monitor her condition closely for the next 24 hours.
Family Monitoring and Nationwide Prayers
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has requested the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery.
BNP sources have confirmed that her son, Tarique Rahman, and his wife, Zubaida Rahman, are continuously monitoring her condition from London. Syeda Shamila Rahman, the wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Coco, is currently at her bedside in Dhaka.
Khaleda Zia, who is nearing 80, has long suffered from multiple chronic illnesses, including liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. She last traveled to London for advanced medical care on January 7 and returned home on May 6 after a 117-day stay. She has required frequent hospital visits for ongoing complications since her return.
