Dhaka

A team of medical specialists from the United Kingdom is set to arrive in Bangladesh on Tuesday to evaluate the treatment of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who remains in a critical condition at a private hospital, her personal physician confirmed.

Speaking to the media outside Evercare Hospital, AZM Zahid Hossain said the British doctors will collaborate with the international panel already supervising Zia’s medical care.
“Doctors from the UK are arriving today to examine her,” he said. “Several countries — including India, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the United States — have also offered medical assistance.”

According to Hossain, Zia’s treatment is being overseen by a medical board comprising physicians from Bangladesh, the UK and the US. A five-member delegation of Chinese specialists met the board on Monday, the board’s head Dr Shahabuddin Talukder earlier told local media.

Hossain again ruled out the possibility of moving the 80-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief abroad for treatment at this point.
“All preparations had been made, but her present medical condition does not allow any step that goes beyond the board’s recommendations,” he said. “The team is constantly monitoring her condition, and she is receiving all necessary treatment. We hope she will recover with the medical care and prayers of the entire nation.”

Zia, who has served three terms as Bangladesh’s prime minister, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing serious infections in her heart and lungs. Her condition deteriorated steadily, leading to a transfer to the coronary care unit four days later. She was placed on ventilation on Sunday night as the complications worsened, BNP Vice-Chairman Advocate Ahmed Aazam Khan said on Monday.

Security around the hospital was significantly increased early Tuesday. Police installed a barricade at the main entrance of Evercare around 2 a.m. and deployed more than two dozen personnel to regulate movement and strengthen security arrangements.

The measures were adopted after the interim government designated Zia a “very, very important person” on Monday — a classification that authorises the Special Security Force (SSF) to provide protection. SSF personnel inspected several areas of the hospital through the night. Zia is currently in a cabin on the fourth floor, where neighbouring cabins have been vacated as part of the heightened security protocol.

BNP supporters across the country are holding special prayers for her recovery in Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Barishal, Mymensingh and other districts. Social media is also filled with messages and prayers wishing her good health.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed concern over Zia’s condition and offered every possible assistance.

In a social-media message on Tuesday, Zia’s son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman thanked the public for their solidarity.
“The overwhelming support and prayers from home and abroad have been a great source of strength for our family. We pray for her recovery and appreciate the compassion and unity shown during this difficult period,” he posted.

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Later on Monday, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that Rahman — who has been living in London for more than a decade — “will return to Bangladesh soon.”