Khaleda Zia responding to treatment at Evercare Hospital, says Dr. Zahid

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, currently receiving care at Evercare Hospital, is responding positively to treatment administered by her personal physician, according to Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Dr. Zahid provided the update during a briefing at the hospital's gate in the capital on Wednesday evening, addressing concerns about her condition.

"She is in the ICU receiving the highest level of medical care suitable for a critical patient," he stated.

"Begum Zia is getting the necessary treatment, and I urge everyone to disregard any rumors. She is fully able to receive the care being provided and is genuinely responding to it."

He explained that an attempt to airlift her abroad last Friday was aborted due to a technical issue with the air ambulance and her unsuitable condition for flight.

"The medical board has recommended continuing treatment here to stabilize her health," Dr. Zahid added.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure the best possible service, with the goal of facilitating world-class treatment. If needed, she can be transported out of the country at any time."

Expressing optimism, he noted, "We are confident that her treatment will proceed effectively." The medical board, formed under the constant oversight of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, includes vigilant local and international experts. Meetings often occur at night to accommodate foreign doctors, and the team is deeply committed.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, has been closely monitoring progress since arriving from London on December 5.

Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara on November 23 for ongoing management of multiple ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney issues.

Her condition deteriorated on November 27 due to a severe lung infection, prompting intensive care in the critical care unit under special protocols.

The board is led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with Dr. Zubaida Rahman as a key member.

In a separate development, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam visited the hospital in the afternoon to assess her status. He spent over an hour there, consulting with her doctors, reviewing her current condition, treatment plan, and future steps.