Supporters of BNP gather near Evercare Hospital in the city on Saturday, as party Chairperson Khaleda Zia (inset), who is in critical condition, undergoes treatment there. — FE Photo Entire nation continues to pray for quick recovery of critically-ill BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time prime minister of Bangladesh and a prime inspiration behind the July Uprising.
Begum Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on advice of the medical board after doctors found infections in her heart and lungs.
She is also suffering from pneumonia, and is now under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the supervision of specialist doctors from both Bangladesh and abroad.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that although all arrangements have been made to take the ailing Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment, her "physical condition is not strong enough to endure such travel".
He said this at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan on Saturday afternoon, amid growing concern over her health.
He said, "Right now, Begum Zia is not physically fit to be taken abroad. If her condition becomes stable, then it will be considered whether she can be moved."
Earlier in the afternoon, Mahdi Amin, adviser to Tarique Rahman, said the family was planning to take Zia to London for advanced treatment.
"An air ambulance is being arranged, and she will be taken abroad once her condition improves."
Fakhrul says that specialists from Bangladesh, Johns Hopkins Hospital in the US and the London Clinic are jointly treating her.
After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Friday night, the medical board advised that she would need treatment abroad.
"Although the final decision has not been made due to her weak physical condition, preparations are in place," he said.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary -General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday urged party leaders, activists and the general public not to gather at Evercare Hospital, saying that large crowds are disrupting her treatment and causing trouble for other patients.
He also calls on everyone to pray for Khaleda Zia's quick recovery.
In a video message, Rizvi said that Begum Zia is in a very critical condition at Evercare Hospital, and people across the country are praying for her recovery. "We are all praying to Almighty Allah to grant her full recovery."
He notes that many leaders, activists and well-wishers have been visiting the hospital out of love and respect for Khaleda Zia, but their presence is creating difficulties for her treatment and for other patients.
"Your emotions and respect are understandable. You are going there to express your love and pray for her. But the crowds are causing problems for the treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and for other patients," he reminds.
Rizvi requests everyone to pray from their homes or wherever they are, instead of going to the hospital. "Please pray for her from your own place. Do not gather at the hospital."
Meanwhile, the Council of Advisers of the interim government offered prayers for speedy recovery of Khaleda Zia at a special meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office on Saturday. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain led the prayer, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin also expressed deep concern over the worsening health of the former prime minister and urged the nation to pray for her quick recovery.
His Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Sagar Hossain conveyed the President's message.
On Friday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also expressed serious concern over her condition and called on the nation to pray for her recovery.
However, a three-member delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Saturday visited BNP Chairperson at the capital's Evercare Hospital.
Senior Joint Member -Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara and Chief Organiser for Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah were also part of the delegation.
The NCP leaders spoke to the medical team supervising Khaleda Zia's treatment and inquired about her latest health condition and ongoing therapies.
Talking to reporters after the visit, Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over the former prime minister's deteriorating health and said the entire nation is praying for her recovery.
He said, "She (Khaleda Zia) had long been denied proper medical care while in custody, which contributed to her current condition."
Home Affairs Adviser Lt-Geneneral (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited Evercare Hospital in the capital on Saturday to enquire about the health condition of critically ill BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
He talked to the doctors overseeing her treatment to learn about her latest condition.
Meanwhile, a special 'Milad' prayer was held at the Dhaka University Central Mosque for Begum Zia's recovery.
BNP Mass Education Secretary Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, Dhaka University Vice-chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders and general students attended the prayer session.
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