Medical board says Khaleda Zia is being treated under intensive observation

BNP chief Khaleda Zia remains under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital, her medical board has said.

A bulletin signed by board head Dr Shahabuddin Talukder outlined the latest assessment of Khaleda’s condition on Thursday.

The board said, “We respectfully request that no speculation or false information be circulated and that the public place their trust in the medical board.

“Please cooperate in maintaining the patient’s privacy and dignity. Our team continues her care with utmost professionalism, caution, and dedication.”

Khaleda, 79, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara on Nov 23. She was transferred from a cabin to the Critical Care Unit on Nov 27 after developing a lung infection.

She has longstanding health issues, including complications related to the liver and kidneys, as well as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and recurrent infections.

According to the bulletin, recent tests detected several complications. She was treated after experiencing increased breathing difficulties, reduced blood oxygen levels and elevated carbon dioxide.

It said, “As her condition did not improve, she was placed on elective ventilator support to rest her lungs and other organs. On Nov 27, acute pancreatitis was diagnosed and remains under intensive treatment.

“Due to severe infection, she is receiving advanced antibiotic and antifungal therapy. Kidney failure has necessitated regular dialysis, which continues.

“Gastrointestinal bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation have required blood and component transfusions. Persistent fever and echocardiography revealed abnormalities in the aortic valve, leading to transesophageal echocardiography, which diagnosed infective endocarditis.

“Treatment was immediately initiated according to international guidelines and specialist consultations,” it added.