Dhaka, Dec 04 (V7N) - BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s medical condition remains unchanged, according to doctors overseeing her treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Despite ongoing efforts, physicians have not yet reached a decision on whether she should be transferred abroad for advanced care, although her family and senior BNP leaders are preparing for that possibility.

Amid the uncertainty, two specialist medical teams—one from China and the other from the United Kingdom—arrived in Dhaka this week to assist in her treatment. The second group of Chinese specialists arrived on Wednesday night and immediately held discussions with the hospital’s medical board. None of the visiting specialists have issued an official statement.

As on previous days, BNP supporters and well-wishers gathered outside the hospital on Wednesday, though entry remains restricted except for top officials. Members of the Special Security Force (SSF) and law enforcement agencies remain deployed around the hospital for security.

A member of the medical board confirmed that Begum Zia is currently receiving mechanical ventilation to support normal lung function. She also underwent dialysis on Wednesday afternoon to stabilize kidney function.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited Evercare Hospital on Wednesday evening to inquire about her condition. He was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and was briefed by her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. Dr. Yunus reiterated the government’s support and requested the nation to pray for her recovery.

Begum Zia has been undergoing treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for the past week. Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, a leading hematologist and a member of the medical board, said her condition is unchanged and neither improving nor deteriorating.

Earlier in the day, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter also visited the CCU and was informed that Begum Zia responded to greetings through gestures. Another board member noted that although she responds slightly to familiar voices, it does not indicate significant improvement, as several vital parameters continue to fluctuate.

Every night, the medical board holds a 90-minute consultation in which more than a dozen local and foreign doctors participate, including specialists from London Clinic who previously treated her. Her son Tarique Rahman and daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman also join the discussions remotely. Treatment decisions are updated based on the latest test results, with further advanced tests ordered as needed. Doctors say she cannot be moved abroad unless her condition stabilizes.

UK medical specialist Dr. Richard Bill arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to support the treatment process. He visited Evercare Hospital shortly after his arrival.

Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November following routine check-ups that revealed the need for immediate hospitalization. Her condition deteriorated on 27 November, prompting her transfer to the CCU under intensive care. Both local and international specialists remain engaged in her treatment.

Hospital authorities confirmed that a 10-member Chinese medical team is now working alongside the main medical board.

Earlier this year in January, Begum Zia traveled to London for advanced medical treatment, where she received care both in hospital and at the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman, before returning to Dhaka on 6 May after a four-month stay.

END/RKB/SMA/