Dhaka

Bangladesh’s former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia is currently in a “more stable” condition, with no signs of further deterioration, according to her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain.

The 80-year-old leader has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 after being admitted for multiple health complications. She was later shifted to the hospital’s coronary care unit (CCU) for specialised monitoring.

On December 11, doctors placed Zia on ventilator support to allow her lungs and other vital organs to rest, following concerns over increasing physiological stress.

Speaking on Friday, Hossain said her health has improved compared to earlier weeks. “Her condition is much more stable than before, and there has been no deterioration at present,” he said, as quoted by state-run news agency BSS. He added that her overall physical condition has remained steady for nearly a month.

The physician also confirmed that Zia underwent a minor medical procedure on Friday, which was completed successfully. “She tolerated the procedure well,” he said.

Earlier, the hospital’s medical board stated that Zia continues to be under constant medical supervision by a team of local and international specialists, as several of her vital organs remain under severe strain.

Plans to airlift Zia to London for advanced treatment were postponed last week after an air ambulance provided by Qatar was unable to reach Dhaka. Following this, doctors advised that she should continue receiving treatment in Bangladesh until her condition improves sufficiently for travel.

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Meanwhile, Zia’s son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh on December 25, bringing an end to nearly 17 years of self-imposed exile in London.