Bangladesh Chief Advisor Meets Khaleda Zia Amid Health Concerns

Post by : Raina Nasser

The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, visited former Prime Minister and current BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday, where she is facing serious health challenges. His visit lasted nearly thirty minutes, during which he appealed to her family, party members, and supporters for patience as she continues her treatment. According to his press team, Yunus received an update from the medical board responsible for Zia's care, which indicated that specialists from two prominent US hospitals, alongside doctors from the UK, China, and other nations, are monitoring her condition closely. He reassured her family of the government's unwavering support in her treatment.

Zia has been admitted to the hospital since November 23 due to various health issues and was shifted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) on November 27 after her condition deteriorated. Although her personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain — who also belongs to the BNP Standing Committee — regularly updates on her status, specific details regarding her health have not been officially disclosed. Hossain earlier mentioned that Zia is showing signs of responding to the medical treatment.

Yunus's recent visit adds to a series of high-profile visits from military leaders, including General Waker uz Zaman, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood, who have also visited Zia at the hospital in recent days. Several of Zia's family members, including her younger brother Shamim Iskandar, have also been present to support her during this challenging time.

Tarique Rahman, Zia's elder son and the acting chairman of the BNP currently living in London, is overseeing her treatment from a distance. Through a recent social media update, he expressed his concern for his mother during this critical phase while mentioning the difficulties he faces in making direct healthcare decisions due to legal and political factors. Rahman has resided in London since 2008 following a series of graft and criminal convictions that have since either been overturned or withdrawn by the Bangladeshi judiciary. Authorities have confirmed there are no restrictions barring his return and have promised security arrangements should he choose to visit; however, he has yet to submit a request for travel documentation.

International attention continues to focus on Zia's condition, with Chinese President Xi Jinping dispatching another team of medical professionals to assist in her care, shortly after a group of British doctors arrived in Dhaka. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his concerns regarding her health, offering full support, while Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes for Zia’s swift recovery.

Khaleda Zia remains in critical care, experiencing ongoing monitoring by both local and international medical teams, as Bangladesh, along with its neighboring countries, remains vigilant concerning the welfare of one of the country's most prominent political figures.