Messages of concern, prayers pour in as Khaleda's condition remains critical
Khaleda's physical condition, at this time, is critical, and she is not in a state to be taken abroad for treatment, although the Zia family is keen to move her to London for advanced treatment once she is stable
The health condition of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia has prompted an outpouring of prayers and concern from across the country and abroad as she is under intensive monitoring at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital.
The calls come at a time when the country is on the path of a major political transition, with the upcoming national elections slated for February.
Khaleda's physical condition, at this time, is critical, and she is not in a state to be taken abroad for treatment, although the Zia family is keen to move her to London for advanced treatment once she is stable.
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Khaleda — the first female elected prime minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world — while fighting long battles with illness and oppression, returned to the election race after 17 years.
While BNP is holding countrywide prayer programmes seeking the party chief's recovery, various others have expressed solidarity. Several netizens, irrespective of party affiliations, have also wished for Khaleda's improved health. Advisers, political parties, and public figures have all been posting and sharing messages of concern, hoping for her speedy recovery.
Earlier today (29 November), the Advisory Council of the interim government held a special meeting where prayers were offered. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting at his office in the capital's Tejgaon area, while Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain administered the dua, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin also expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia's deteriorating physical condition and urged the nation to pray for her quick recovery.
Yesterday (28 November), Chief Adviser Yunus had similarly voiced profound concern over her health and appealed to the nation to pray for her well-being.
Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam wrote on Facebook: "I pray for the swift recovery and long life of Khaleda Zia, the symbol of Bangladesh's democracy and national unity. Her wisdom and presence are crucial in this critical phase of our democratic transition. May Allah grant her quick healing."
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has also expressed deep concern over the BNP chief's health.
In a Facebook post last night (28 November), he said the news of Khaleda Zia's worsening condition had caused profound worry, adding that his party had been regularly enquiring about her overall health.
He prayed for her "swift and complete recovery," saying, "We earnestly supplicate to the Almighty Allah to grant her quick and full healing, ease all her sufferings and provide what is best for her."
Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited Evercare Hospital today to check on her. NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah said he prays that "Allah keep BNP chief Khaleda Zia alive until she witnesses ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's execution."
Hasnat said Khaleda Zia had endured "severe oppression," which he claimed contributed to her current condition. He further alleged that the former prime minister did not receive proper medical care during Sheikh Hasina's government and that doctors attempting to treat her were "harassed and intimidated."
Besides political figures, several others have also issued heartfelt messages. Media personality Abdun Noor Tushar wrote on Facebook today: "Allah is the only Healer! May Allah heal our nation and Khaleda Zia. Give her comfort from pain and suffering!"
One netizen wrote, "Not siding with any particular political party. This is simply a genuine and heartfelt prayer for a true leader."
People conducted special prayers at Rajguru Mahabuddha Vihara, a Buddhist temple in Bandarban, for Khaleda's recovery. A prayer session was held at the Kali Temple in the capital tonight as well for her speedy, organised by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front.
Born on 15 August 1946, Khaleda has led the BNP through turbulent decades of politics, imprisonment, and revival.
Her condition comes at a critical time as the nation prepares for the polls where she is expected to contest from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3 and Bogura-7 constituencies.
Khaleda Zia not fit for overseas travel now: Fakhrul
The party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir briefed the media this evening on Khaleda's latest condition.
"Last night, the medical board held a meeting where all physicians discussed her treatment and reached a collective opinion on how to proceed and what course of treatment should follow," he said at a press conference at the party's Gulshan office in Dhaka.
"The physicians said she may require treatment abroad, but her current physical condition does not permit international travel," Fakhrul said, adding that doctors will reconsider the matter only if her condition stabilises.
However, he also mentioned that necessary precautions regarding air ambulance and visas for possible countries where she can be taken have been discussed.
"If needed… if she is ready to fly, we will be able to reach a decision," he said.
Fakhrul said Khaleda has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital for several days in a "serious condition".
Leading physicians in Bangladesh, as well as specialists from Johns Hopkins in the United States and London Clinic in the United Kingdom, are treating her, he added.
