Khaleda Zia in critical condition, doctors say; Tarique Rahman seeks prayers at dawn

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is passing through a “critical phase” of her illness, according to Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of her medical team and BNP Standing Committee member.

Speaking at a press briefing outside the hospital around 12:30 am on Saturday (27 December), Dr Zahid said: “If she can overcome this crisis, perhaps we will hear some good news.”

A few hours after the briefing, at around 6:30 am, BNP’s Media Cell posted a message quoting Dr Zahid: “Begum Khaleda Zia remains under close observation. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sought prayers from the nation for his mother.”

Earlier, Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubayda Rahman visited Khaleda Zia at the hospital around 9:30 pm on Sunday and stayed for nearly two hours. The midnight briefing by Dr Zahid came somewhat unexpectedly.

Dr Zahid said: “She was admitted on 23 November. Her condition deteriorated after admission, which is why she was shifted first to CCU and later to ICU. Naturally, it cannot be said that there has been improvement. She is passing through an extremely critical phase. If she can overcome this crisis, perhaps we will hear some good news.”

He added that doctors are making every effort with utmost expertise, and Zubayda Rahman is in constant contact with both local and foreign specialists.

Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since 23 November. Her treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, comprising both local and foreign expert doctors.