Khaleda Zia is speaking, but still not out of danger

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was nearly unresponsive for three days since Wednesday, spoke a few words on Saturday morning.

A source close to her family and medical team confirmed the matter to Prothom Alo yesterday. In the morning, while Syeda Sharmila Rahman – wife of the late Arafat Rahman Koko – was by her bedside in the CCU, Khaleda Zia said a few words.

Sources said her physical condition showed slight improvement compared to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but the overall crisis has not passed. Due to severely impaired kidney function, she has been on dialysis for four consecutive days.

Doctors continue to describe her condition as "critical". They are monitoring closely, noting that the next few days are crucial. Without stabilisation in kidney function, lasting improvement in her overall health remains difficult.

The medical board, comprising local specialists, doctors from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the US and experts from London Clinic, has decided to airlift Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment once feasible. The final call will depend on her ability to withstand air travel.

Sources said the board will assess her condition over the next one or two days. If possible, she will be taken to London Clinic, where she was treated earlier this year. If not, Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital is the next option. However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said yesterday that in the current situation, Khaleda Zia's physical state does not permit foreign travel for treatment.

Fakhrul said: "The medical board, formed with domestic and international specialists, is treating her. After a meeting lasting over two hours on Friday night, they said she needs advanced treatment abroad. But her condition cannot withstand the strain right now."

He added that arrangements including visas, contacts with potential destination countries and an air ambulance have been discussed and kept ready for quick decision-making if needed.

President seeks prayers

Following the Chief Adviser, President Mohammed Shahabuddin yesterday urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Presidential Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Sagar Hossain conveyed this in a message.

The President said: "At this critical juncture of democratic resurgence, I pray for the quick recovery of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. I beseech Almighty Allah for her health and request the people of the country to pray for her."

Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to everyone for their prayers and affection towards Khaleda Zia.

Leaders visit hospital

Yesterday, leaders from BNP and other parties visited the hospital to see Khaleda Zia. In the morning, NCP leaders went to enquire about her health. Among them were Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara and Chief Organiser (South Region) Hasanat Abdullah.

Jatiya Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haq visited the hospital to see Khaleda Zia. Hefazat-e-Islam Ameer Allama Muhibbullah Babungari and Secretary General Sajedur Rahman have called for nationwide prayers for her recovery.

Request to avoid crowding

Party leaders and activists have been gathering in large numbers outside Evercare Hospital upon hearing of Khaleda Zia's illness. Some have even organised milad and dua programmes with banners, causing traffic disruptions in the area.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam has requested leaders and activists not to crowd the hospital premises. Speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon at the party's Gulshan office on Victory Day, he said: "I want to inform the entire nation through you (the media) that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia is the most popular leader in this country, and her illness has left everyone anxious. Countless people are gathering at the hospital. This is troubling the hospital authorities and doctors. It is creating obstacles for other patients."

Fakhrul added: "I request all concerned – BNP leaders and activists, her well-wishers, and the people of the country – please do not crowd the hospital."