Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday night after doctors detected infections in both her lungs and heart.

According to Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical team responsible for her care, Khaleda Zia has been dealing with long-term heart problems. He mentioned that she already has a permanent pacemaker, and stents had been placed earlier to support her cardiac function.

He added that she is also affected by mitral stenosis, a condition that restricts proper blood flow through one of the heart valves.

Siddiqui explained that the newly developed infection struck both the lungs and heart simultaneously, leading to noticeable breathing difficulties. This sudden deterioration prompted the medical team to move her to the hospital without delay.

“We expect the next set of medical reports within a day. She is being closely monitored, and the upcoming hours are extremely critical. At present, she is receiving intensive care while staying in a cabin,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member and her personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, informed the media that there was no immediate cause for panic regarding her health.

Khaleda Zia left her residence in Gulshan, known as Firoza, around 7:30pm on Sunday and was admitted for detailed health evaluations.

Earlier, on October 15, she had also visited the same hospital for routine tests and spent the night there before returning home.

The 79-year-old former prime minister has been battling multiple chronic illnesses for years, including diabetes, arthritis, kidney complications, lung-related issues, and various eye-related problems.

She also traveled to London on January 7 for advanced medical treatment, stayed there for 117 days, and returned to Bangladesh on May 6.