BNP chairperson and thrice-former prime minister Khaleda Zia is still not physically fit for air travel, whereby she could receive advanced treatment abroad, according to her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.
He, however, said all preparations have been made to take her to an advanced center in either the UK or the US once she is ready to undertake a long flight.
Zahid made the comments to reporters outside the BNP chairperson's residence in Gulshan on Wednesday night, after Khaleda Zia returned home from her latest stay at the capital's Evercare Hospital.
"Madam (Khaleda) needs to be taken to a multidisciplinary center, but she must be fit for that. Over time, her various medical conditions are progressively worsening due to multiple health issues," he said.
Zahid, also a BNP standing committee member, said Khaleda sometimes appears to be in good health, but then she quickly becomes unwell again. He pointed out that the physical strain and the negative pressure of flying—especially during take-off and landing—could pose risks due to her heart, liver, and kidney problems.
Doctors currently do not feel she is stable enough for a 12 to 13-hour journey.
Zahid also said even minor fluctuations in her condition could lead to significant health complications.
He highlighted the importance of closely monitoring her health and making necessary adjustments quickly, explaining that delaying care could exacerbate her existing complications.
“Once Khaleda Zia is in good health; we will take her outside as quickly as possible. We are optimistic about her treatment (overseas) and are making every effort to facilitate it as quickly as possible. The rest is in the hands of Allah. Please keep her in your prayers,” Zahid said.
Khaleda Zia returned to her Gulshan residence on Wednesday evening after receiving treatment for six days at Evercare Hospital in the capital.
"She (Khaleda) was discharged from the hospital as per the advice of the medical board,” said Zahid. He said the BNP chief underwent various medical tests during her stay in the hospital since early Thursday.
“The board has made the decision after reviewing her health and the latest medical reports,” Zahid said. He said the BNP chairperson will now be provided with treatment at home under the supervision of her doctors.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital in the early hours of September 12 as her medical board recommended several tests. Earlier, on August 21, Khaleda Zia returned home after a 45-day treatment at Evercare Hospital.
A group of specialist doctors, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, successfully installed a pacemaker in Khaleda Zia’s chest on June 23.
Khaleda has long been battling various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to her kidney, lung, heart, and eyes. The BNP chief’s doctors have been recommending sending her abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021.
