Dhaka: The nation is in mourning following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister. Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, her personal physician and a member of the BNP Standing Committee, expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing her as the country's true guardian.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zahid shared his reflections on Begum Khaleda Zia's compassionate nature and her dedication to her colleagues and physicians. He remarked on her motherly care, stating, "In her personal life, Begum Khaleda Zia was deeply compassionate. She always checked on the well-being of her colleagues and physicians, treating everyone with motherly care."
Confirming the news of her passing, Dr Zahid stated, "Begum Khaleda Zia breathed her last at 6am while undergoing treatment. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un." He emphasized her multifaceted role within the nation, highlighting her position not only as the BNP Chairperson but also as a mother, family head, and former Prime Minister who served as a guardian to the nation.
Dr Zahid assured the public that Begum Khaleda Zia received the highest level of medical care, guided by a medical board comprising renowned national and international experts. "Physicians from Mount Sinai and Johns Hopkins Hospitals in the USA, as well as the London Bridge Hospital, The London Clinic, and Cambridge University Hospitals in the UK, were part of the medical board," he noted. Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, was also a member of the medical team.
Throughout her treatment, Tarique Rahman maintained constant communication to ensure her well-being, balancing his political responsibilities with concern for his mother's health. Dr Zahid concluded with a prayer, "We pray to Allah Almighty to grant Begum Khaleda Zia Jannatul Firdaus and to give the BNP leaders, activists, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman the strength to endure this profound loss."