He made the remarks at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan on Saturday (November 29) afternoon. The event was organized to announce the party’s torch road show program marking the month of Victory.
Mirza Fakhrul said, “You all know that the undisputed leader of Bangladesh, the Mother of Democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia, has been admitted to Evercare Hospital for several days due to illness. Her physical condition is currently somewhat critical.”
He added that specialist doctors from Bangladesh, as well as experts from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and the London Clinic in the United Kingdom, are involved in her treatment.
Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 for a health check-up. She was admitted after tests detected a chest infection. She is currently under the close supervision of a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder.
Given her deteriorating condition over the past two days, the BNP organized special prayer sessions across the country on Friday, seeking prayers from the public for her recovery.
‘No Situation to Take Her Abroad Now’
Mirza Fakhrul said that the medical board held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Friday night to discuss treatment options. “They said that it might be necessary to take Madam abroad. But in her current physical condition, she is not fit to travel. If her health improves and stabilizes by the grace of Allah, then we will consider whether it will be possible to take her abroad.”
Preparations Completed for Possible Transfer
The BNP secretary general stated that preparations for her potential transfer abroad are mostly complete. “There have been extensive discussions on matters such as visas, communication with foreign hospitals, and arrangements for an air ambulance. Work on these issues is at an advanced stage,” he said.
He added that if her condition improves sufficiently and she is deemed “ready to fly,” a decision regarding her transfer abroad can be made very quickly.
‘Do Not Crowd Evercare Hospital’
Mirza Fakhrul urged supporters and well-wishers not to gather at Evercare Hospital. “Begum Khaleda Zia is the most popular leader of this country, and naturally people are deeply concerned about her health. But the large crowds at the hospital are creating obstacles for doctors, hospital authorities, and other patients,” he said.
He appealed to BNP leaders, activists, supporters, and the general public: “Please do not crowd the hospital. We will provide updates on her health bulletin at the appropriate time. Once again, I request everyone not to gather there.”
BNP Media Cell Convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, Liberation War Generation General Secretary AKM Kamruzzaman Nannu, and Victory Month road show celebration committee member Zubair Babu were also present at the briefing.
