Dhaka, Dec 08 (V7N) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, is being considered for continued care in Bangladesh rather than being flown abroad. On Sunday, Khaleda Zia underwent a CT scan and several other tests, all of which returned favorable results. Based on these findings, the medical board overseeing her treatment is evaluating the possibility of completing her recovery within the country.

Sources from BNP and the medical board reported that Khaleda Zia’s health is gradually improving, although the board has not yet made a final decision. One of the board’s doctors said, “Madam is in better health compared to before and has confidence in the country’s medical facilities. We are making every effort to provide treatment here. At one point, her condition was critical, yet she recovered, so it is possible she may not need to go abroad.”

Regarding the duration of Khaleda Zia’s stay in the ICU, the doctor explained that it would depend on her recovery progress. Both local and international doctors are closely monitoring her condition. Her daughter-in-law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is coordinating her treatment at the bedside and will remain in Bangladesh for several days, accompanied by her younger brother and his wife.

BNP leaders confirmed that a special air ambulance, arranged with support from the Emir of Qatar, is on standby and can be deployed if the medical board recommends treatment abroad. Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury, advisor to Khaleda Zia, stated that the Qatar air ambulance can transport her whenever BNP and the medical board decide it is necessary.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman returned to Dhaka from London last Friday and has been actively involved in overseeing Khaleda Zia’s care at both her family residence and Evercare Hospital. She maintains constant communication with ICU doctors to ensure proper coordination of medical procedures.

Khaleda Zia, 79, has long been suffering from multiple health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney and liver problems, lung infection, cardiovascular conditions, and eye disorders. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following a severe lung infection and later transferred to the Critical Care Unit as her condition deteriorated. The interim government declared her a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP), assigning the Special Security Force responsibility for her protection.

The 12-member medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, supervises her treatment. Several international medical teams from China and the United Kingdom have also joined the board. Last Thursday, the board initially recommended that Khaleda Zia be treated in London; however, her personal physician, Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, later stated that her condition at that moment did not allow for air travel, delaying the decision on overseas treatment.

Khaleda Zia’s gradual improvement has raised hopes that she may complete her recovery within Bangladesh under close medical supervision.

END/AJ/SMA/