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BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, undergoing treatment under intensive medical supervision at Evercare Hospital in the capital, on Monday urged the people of the country to pray for her speedy recovery.
“Since her admission to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night, the BNP Chairperson has been receiving treatment under the close supervision of the medical board,” said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, quoting Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, UNB reports.
He also said the medical board is closely monitoring her health and providing all necessary treatment.
“The BNP Chairperson has urged the people of the country to pray that Almighty Allah grants her a quick recovery,” Sayrul said.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection affecting both her heart and lungs.
Khaleda Zia, 80, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis and eye-related illnesses. She also has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting for her heart.
Professor Dr FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her treatment, said several of her health problems appeared simultaneously on Sunday.
“She has a chest infection, which has affected both her heart and lungs at the same time, causing respiratory distress,” Dr Siddiqui said.
He also said the BNP chief has long been suffering from heart problems, including mitral stenosis, and has a permanent pacemaker and previous stenting.
“As her chest infection affected the heart and lungs simultaneously, we carried out urgent tests. Based on the reports received so far, she has been started on antibiotics as advised by the medical board,” Dr Siddiqui added.
Professor Dr AZM Zahid said it is not possible yet to determine how long the BNP chief will need to stay in hospital. “The duration of her stay will depend entirely on her physical condition.”
Since returning from London on 6 May after receiving advanced medical care, Khaleda Zia has been undergoing regular health check-ups at Evercare Hospital.
Her family members, including Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman, have been in close contact with the doctors to know her condition.