Khaleda Zia in very critical condition since last night: BNP Vice-Chairman Aazam
"She is in a deep condition. You can say she is on ventilation. You can say she is in a very critical condition," says the BNP leader.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's condition has been very critical since last night (30 November), said BNP Vice-Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan today (1 December).
While speaking to journalists in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where Khaleda is currently receiving treatment, Azam said, "She is in a deep condition. You can say she is on ventilation. You can say she is in a very critical condition."
"There is nothing more to do except seek prayers from the whole nation," he added.
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Further details about her condition could not be obtained immediately.
Meanwhile, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said, "No source or statement from anyone other than the chairperson's personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain should be used."
Posts with unverified information about Khaleda have been made from various accounts, including one impersonating Zahid. Shairul confirmed that the account is fake and the information provided by it is not true.
Khaleda's eldest son Tarique, in a Facebook post on 29 November, said he wished to return to Bangladesh to be by his mother's side but added that the decision was not entirely his to make.
"Like any child, I long to feel my mother's comforting touch during such a crisis. But unlike others, I do not have unrestricted or independent authority to decide on returning home," he wrote, adding that the issue is sensitive and cannot be elaborated further.
Tarique, on behalf of their family, also expressed gratitude to people across the country for their prayers and concern for Khaleda.
Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment at her home in Gulshan for various complications, including liver, kidney and heart-related issues.
The 80-year-old former prime minister was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday (23 November).
Her personal physician, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, said at the time that she had been admitted for tests on the advice of the medical board. After tests, doctors said she had developed a lung infection.
Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board, said on Monday (24 November) that she had been falling sick frequently in recent months and that multiple complications had appeared together, causing severe respiratory distress.
He noted that her heart problems, including a permanent pacemaker, a stent and mitral stenosis, had contributed to the seriousness of the chest infection.
Since 27 November, she has been receiving treatment in the critical care unit (CCU).
BNP postpones 'Victory Torch Roadshow'
BNP postponed its previously announced "Victory Torch Roadshow" as the party chairperson remains hospitalised, reports UNB.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the decision at an urgent press conference at the party's Nayapaltan Central office.
"Since Begum Zia has been admitted to hospital due to illness, the Victory Day programmes have been postponed," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a series of month-long programmes marking the Month of Victory.
These included a nationwide 'Victory Torch Roadshow' and a grand rally on 16 December at Manik Mia Avenue, along with discussions and other events from 1 to 16 December.
