Tarique Rahman Thanks Nation for Support as Khaleda Zia Remains in ICU
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the collective support of the nation is the strength and inspiration of the Zia family. He made the remark in a post from his verified Facebook page at around 10:30 am on 2 December.
Earlier in the afternoon, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remained under treatment in the ICU, confirmed her physician and BNP Standing Committee member Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.
He said Khaleda Zia has been able to receive the treatment prescribed by doctors, and that Tarique Rahman has been in constant communication regarding her medical condition.
Dr. Zahid Hossain also noted that various rumours were spreading on social media about her health condition. On behalf of the family and the party, he urged the public not to pay attention to such misinformation.
Seeking prayers for Khaleda Zia, he added, “With everyone’s prayers, we hope she will recover from this difficult phase.”
According to sources, a team of specialist doctors is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka today from the United Kingdom. Based on the opinion of the combined medical board, the decision to take her to London will be considered, Dr. Zahid added.
On Facebook, Tarique Rahman wrote:
“We express our heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, for the support and well-wishes being extended from various parts of the world for the recovery of our leader Begum Khaleda Zia.”
He continued, saying that messages of concern from world leaders, diplomats, friends, and the profound love and prayers of the people of Bangladesh have deeply moved them.
Reiterating his earlier message, the BNP acting chairman added:
“The united support of the people is the true strength and motivation for our family. We are continuously praying for the swift recovery of our beloved leader. Our deepest gratitude goes to every individual showing unity, sympathy and solidarity during this difficult time.”
The 80-year-old three-time former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis and kidney problems. She returned home from an Armed Forces Day programme on 21 November, but soon fell seriously ill with acute breathing difficulties. On 23 November, she was rushed to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with pneumonia alongside other complications.
Following a deterioration in her condition over the past few days, she was moved from the High Dependency Unit (HDU) to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) early Sunday morning.
DBTech/JN/EK/OR
