A four-member expert medical team from the UK arrived in Dhaka Wednesday and soon joined in the treatment of ex-premier and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital, alongside other foreign and local physicians.
Led by Dr Richard Beale, the doctors dropped in the hospital forthwith. They reviewed the Zia's current physical condition and held initial discussions with the local medical team of the hospital.
The expert medical team from the UK has come "to formulate an advanced treatment plan for Khaleda Zia and give necessary recommendations", said the BNP leaders close to her treatment management.
They will monitor the overall situation in coordination with the local medicos.
"Dr Richard Beale straight drove to the Evercare Hospital after arriving in Dhaka," said Shairul Kabir, a member of the BNP chairperson's media cell.
Earlier on Tuesday, Khaleda Zia's personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said BNP is fully prepared to take Khaleda Zia abroad. However, there is no scope for anything beyond the current situation and the medical board.
"If the medical board thinks so after seeing the UK doctors, then Khaleda Zia will be taken abroad for proper treatment," he added.
Khaleda Zia was taken to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She was admitted after tests revealed lung infection.
The BNP for long has alleged that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina government is behind the difficulties Khaleda is going through after being deprived of proper treatment.
Senior Joint Secretary-General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi repeated the same allegation Wednesday that Khaleda Zia's deteriorating health is largely the result of actions taken by Hasina and her government.
"Khaleda Zia is in this critical condition today because of Hasina," he squarely blames the runaway ex-premier.
He was speaking at a prayer event organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in Nayapaltan seeking the party leader's recovery.
Meanwhile, the government says aircraft of the Special Security Force (SSF) will be flying and landing on the surrounding fields of the hospital where she is being provided treatment. Earlier, SSF personnel deployed outside the hospital for the ailing former prime minister's security since the interim government declared her a Very, Very Important Person (VVIP) of the state.
As per the security protocol of the Special Security Force, Bangladesh Army and Air Force helicopters will conduct test landings and takeoffs in two fields near Evercare Hospital today (Thursday).
"Therefore, it has been requested not to be confused about this matter," a media statement from the office of the head of interim government, Prof Muhammad Yunus, said Wednesday.
The octogenarian, who transformed herself as a revered political leader through struggles since her husband and former President Ziaur Rahman's assassination, has been suffering from various complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems, for a long time.
She was sentenced to prison in two cases during the Awami League government-toppled in a mass uprising last year--and imprisoned for more than two years before internment on release.
The BNP leader was not allowed to go abroad for treatment despite severe health complications and requests from her doctors, the party leaders deplore.
She was released after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina flew to India on August 5 last year in the face of the uprising that overthrew her government.
Another team of health experts from China was due in Dhaka on Wednesday night for treatment of the BNP chairperson at the Evercare Hospital, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told the media.
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