Khaleda Zia hospitalised with heart and lung infection

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka with infections in her heart and lungs and is now under round-the-clock intensive monitoring, according to her medical team.

Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her treatment, said early today (24 November) that Khaleda Zia had been experiencing frequent illnesses in recent months, and multiple complications emerged on Saturday, leading to severe respiratory distress. She was brought to the hospital around 8pm and admitted immediately.

“She has developed a chest infection that has affected both her heart and lungs. She already has several pre-existing heart conditions, including a permanent pacemaker, a stent, and mitral stenosis,” Siddiqui said, adding that the combination of these issues has created a critical situation. “Urgent tests have been completed, and she has received antibiotics and emergency treatment. The next 12 hours are very important.”

Additional test results are expected within 24 hours.

Following her admission, the hospital’s medical board convened, with Professor Shahabuddin Talukder supervising her care. The meeting was attended by Professor FM Siddiqui, Dr Zafar Iqbal, Dr Ziaul Haque, Dr Mamun Ahmed, and retired Brigadier General Saiful Islam. Dr Zubaida Rahman joined virtually from London, along with specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.

Despite concerns, BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, said there is no reason for excessive alarm.

Nearly 80 years old, Khaleda Zia has long suffered from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. She last visited Evercare Hospital on 15 October for routine check-ups.

Earlier this year, on 8 January, she travelled to London for advanced treatment. After 17 days in a clinic, she continued treatment while staying with her son Tarique Rahman. She returned to Dhaka on 6 May and has since been under the supervision of a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder at her residence in Gulshan.