national Desk

Md Touhid Hossain, Adviser on Foreign Affairs, stated today that the government is prepared to take necessary measures to facilitate former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s medical treatment abroad, provided her family or political party formally requests it.

Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry, Hossain emphasized that any decision regarding Khaleda Zia’s treatment overseas would be contingent upon an official request from her family or the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He also clarified that, as of now, the interim government has not received any formal communication concerning the potential return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka.

In a related development, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, provided an update on her current health status. Addressing the media outside Evercare Hospital around 12:30 pm today, Dr. Zahid reported that Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit (CCU) since November 27 and is responding positively to the medical care administered by her treatment team.

Khaleda Zia, 78, has been under close medical supervision following her recent health complications, which prompted hospitalization at Evercare Hospital. The hospital’s CCU has been providing continuous monitoring and specialized care, including routine diagnostic assessments and prescribed medical interventions tailored to her condition. Dr. Zahid noted that the treatment regimen is ongoing and being adjusted as needed based on her response and clinical evaluations.

The government’s readiness to facilitate treatment abroad reflects established protocols for critically ill political leaders, which require formal requests from immediate family members or party authorities before any action can be initiated. While no official request has yet been submitted, authorities have confirmed that logistical and administrative arrangements would be undertaken promptly if such a request is received.

Observers note that decisions regarding overseas medical treatment for high-profile political figures in Bangladesh often involve coordination between government agencies, medical teams, and security officials to ensure safe and efficient transfer. The Foreign Ministry’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to following procedural requirements while maintaining medical confidentiality and patient safety.

Meanwhile, the question of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s potential return remains unresolved. Hossain confirmed that no formal communication regarding Rahman’s travel plans has reached the government. As a senior party leader, Rahman’s movements have historically been closely monitored due to legal and political considerations, and any repatriation or visit would require prior approval and security coordination.

The ongoing medical care of Khaleda Zia has attracted significant public and political attention, given her central role in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Health updates from her medical team, such as today’s briefing by Dr. Zahid, serve to inform both the public and party officials of her condition, helping guide any decisions regarding her treatment options, including the possibility of seeking specialized care abroad.

As of now, Khaleda Zia remains under continuous observation in Evercare Hospital’s CCU, with her treatment team monitoring her vital signs and adjusting interventions to optimize recovery. The government has indicated that it will act in accordance with formal requests from her family or party, ensuring that any decision regarding overseas treatment aligns with both medical advice and procedural requirements.