Khaleda's health shows no fresh deterioration; party postpones victory roadshow
He also announced that the BNP has suspended all programmes for December due to Khaleda Zia’s health condition
The health condition of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at the coronary care unit of Evercare Hospital, has shown no further deterioration as of last night, according to party and hospital sources.
She is being given liquid food and is responding to the doctors. She is also occasionally speaking with her younger daughter-in-law, Shamila Rahman. The BNP chairperson will have to remain in the CCU for a few more days. Once her condition improves further, she will be taken abroad for advanced treatment.
A member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda Zia's treatment shared these developments yesterday evening, also saying, "Alhamdulillah, madam is somewhat better. There has been no fresh deterioration. We are calling this an improvement."
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A responsible source inside BNP, seeking anonymity, also confirmed this to TBS.
However, earlier yesterday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the physical condition of Khaleda Zia did not improve, and she remained in the same critical state under treatment.
He also announced that the BNP has suspended special programmes, including a torch roadshow, planned for the Victory Day due to Khaleda Zia's health condition. The party has urged the public to pray for her recovery.
Addressing the crowds gathering in front of the hospital, Rizvi said excessive public presence hampers medical activities.
"Everyone is requested not to gather at the hospital. Please pray for her from wherever you are," he said.
Rizvi added that BNP leaders remain in regular contact with Khaleda Zia's medical team, and the board is providing all updates regarding her condition.
BNP postpones 'Victory Torch Roadshow'
BNP postponed its previously announced "Victory Torch Roadshow" as the party chairperson remains hospitalised, reports UNB.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the decision at an urgent press conference at the party's Nayapaltan Central office.
"Since Begum Zia has been admitted to hospital due to illness, the Victory Day programmes have been postponed," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a series of month-long programmes marking the Month of Victory.
These included a nationwide 'Victory Torch Roadshow' and a grand rally on 16 December at Manik Mia Avenue, along with discussions and other events from 1 to 16 December.
Prayers across the country
Prayers have been held across the country seeking Khaleda Zia's recovery. People of different faiths are praying according to their respective religious traditions.
The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad arranged a special prayer session at the Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital.
Prayers have been held at various educational institutions including Dhaka University and Jagannath University. The Officers' Club in the capital also organised a prayer gathering.
On social media, too, people from across the political spectrum are praying for her swift recovery.
Meanwhile, ignoring party requests, BNP leaders, activists, well-wishers, supporters and ordinary people gathered outside the hospital again yesterday, just as they did on Saturday. Attendance was thin in the morning but grew in the afternoon.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara on the night of 23 November. After tests, doctors said she had developed a lung infection. Since 27 November she has been receiving treatment in the critical care unit.
