Zia family plans London transfer for Khaleda if condition improves: Tarique's adviser
Prayers pour in from home and abroad as the BNP chief’s condition draws widespread concern.
The Zia family is planning to move BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently under intensive monitoring at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital, to London for advanced treatment once her condition stabilises, according to Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
In a Facebook post today (29 November), Mahdi said that Tarique and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, have been in constant virtual contact with doctors from London and are taking necessary measures regarding Khaleda's treatment.
"Dr Zubaida Rahman is playing a key role in coordinating within the country and abroad as an important member of the medical board formed for [Khaleda's] treatment," he wrote, adding that Tarique Rahman is "supervising and directing every step" to ensure no delay or limitation in her care.
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Mahdi also wrote, "As far as we have heard, if [her] physical condition improves slightly… the Zia family is planning to take her to London.
"Tarique Rahman and his wife have already contacted the hospital and doctors in London under whom she stayed for four months this year and became much healthier."
"An initiative is also being taken to arrange a special air ambulance equipped with state-of-the-art technology for that purpose," he noted.
He added that while many people are coming to Evercare Hospital, they are unable to enter the CCU due to infection risks and are expressing their concern from a distance.
Condition still critical
BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, speaking outside Evercare Hospital around 12:30pm today, said her condition had not improved.
"She is still not out of danger. It cannot be said that she is out of danger. The previous condition remains unchanged. She is in a stable condition but has not improved yet. The doctors can provide more details on this matter," he told reporters, adding that any decision on taking her abroad for treatment would depend on her physical condition.
NCP leaders' visit
Earlier in the morning, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited Evercare Hospital to inquire about Khaleda Zia's health.
The visiting team, which included NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, met hospital authorities and expressed solidarity with the BNP chief.
Since morning, BNP leaders, activists and supporters have also gathered outside the hospital.
Tarique's wish to return
Meanwhile, Khaleda's eldest son Tarique, in a Facebook post today, 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.
He said several friendly nations had expressed interest in providing advanced treatment and other forms of assistance.
Tarique, on behalf of their family, also expressed gratitude to people across the country for their prayers and concern for Khaleda.
Additionally, in a statement issued today signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP said citizens from all walks of life continued to pray for her recovery.
Earlier, around 1:30am today, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas told reporters outside the hospital that Khaleda was able to recognise visitors but remained unstable.
He said her condition fluctuated and that more advanced treatment might improve her situation.
Earlier, at about 1am, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul posted on Facebook after visiting Evercare Hospital, saying, "Khaleda Zia's physical condition is not good at all."
Asif Nazrul and CA's Special Assistant Monir Haider had been sent to the hospital late last night (28 November) by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to enquire about her condition.
The Chief Adviser's Press Wing yesterday stated that Yunus had been regularly monitoring her medical updates and had instructed all concerned to ensure every necessary form of support.
The CA also sought prayers from citizens, saying her good health was "extremely important for the country".
Jamaat expresses deep concern
In a Facebook statement around midnight, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of Khaleda Zia, adding that his party has been regularly enquiring about her overall health.
He also prayed for her swift and complete recovery.
Earlier the same day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking at a prayer session in Naya Paltan after Jummah, described Khaleda Zia's condition as "extremely critical" and urged people nationwide to join in prayers for her recovery.
Pakistan conveys well-wishes
Pakistan's top leadership also conveyed well-wishes for Khaleda Zia.
On Thursday evening (27 November), officials from the Pakistan High Commission visited her Gulshan office with bouquets sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Earlier that day, BNP announced a countrywide prayer programme seeking her recovery, while also calling on people of all faiths to offer prayers in mosques, temples, churches and pagodas on Friday (28 November).
Multiple complications reported
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, with the next course of action to be determined after review.
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 being moved to the CCU on Thursday, Khaleda Zia has remained under close observation.
