Dhaka: BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reportedly in a much-improved state after being admitted to London Clinic in the UK. 'Our Madam, Begum Khaleda Zia, the beloved leader of the country and the symbol of Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, is doing much better now both mentally and physically,' BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced during a press conference at the party chief's Gulshan political office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press conference was organized to communicate the party's decisions from its national standing committee meeting held earlier. On January 8, Begum Zia, who has served as Prime Minister three times, was admitted to the London Clinic under the care of renowned liver specialist Prof. John Patrick Kennedy. She was transported to London from Dhaka in a special air ambulance equipped with advanced medical facilities on January 7. Upon arrival at Heathrow International Airport, her eldest son, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, drove her to the clinic, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman.
Begum Zia is reportedly feeling content with her family by her side. Her younger son, late Arafat Rahman's wife, Sharmila Rahman, along with her granddaughters, Barrister Zaima Rahman, Zahia Rahman, and Zafia Rahman, are attending to her needs at the hospital. Her family is providing homemade meals, with Tarique Rahman personally delivering them to the hospital.
BNP chief's personal physician and party's standing committee member Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, along with member of the medical team Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury and UK BNP leaders, have shared these updates with local journalists in London and through the BNP media cell to journalists in Dhaka. Begum Khaleda Zia, aged 79, has been dealing with various health issues for an extended period, which intensified after her conviction in 2018, leading to imprisonment. Her condition has been critical at times, requiring prolonged treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.