Zubaida Rahman Visits Ailing Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital

Acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, arrived at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on Friday to see BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment there.

Zubaida reached the hospital at approximately 11:53am, after which security was visibly tightened in and around the facility. Entering through the emergency lift, she proceeded directly to the unit where Khaleda Zia is being treated. Senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee member Selima Rahman and Women’s Wing General Secretary Sultan Ahmed, were also present at the time of her visit.

Earlier that morning, Zubaida Rahman landed in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London, arriving at 10:45am.

Possible Travel Plans for London

BNP sources stated that if Khaleda Zia’s health improves and her medical team approves, she may be flown to London for further treatment on Sunday. Zubaida has reportedly returned to Dhaka to accompany her mother-in-law abroad; however, the schedule has faced delays due to a technical issue with the Qatar Amir’s arranged air ambulance.

According to the BNP Media Cell, the air ambulance was unable to arrive today, and may instead reach Dhaka on Saturday, pending resolution of the technical problem.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the final decision rests on the patient’s physical stability and the medical board’s recommendation. If conditions permit, Begum Zia is expected to depart for London on December 7.

Current Condition and Treatment

Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital for 13 days, suffering from complications including a lung infection and cardiac difficulties. According to party sources, her lung condition has slightly improved and heart complications have eased somewhat, though several other health issues remain unchanged.

A team of local and international specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is supervising her treatment.

Prayers Across the Country

Following concerns nationwide about her critical condition, BNP has encouraged people to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Prayers and special supplications are scheduled today in mosques after Jumu’ah. The party has also requested followers of other religions to hold prayer services in temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship.

In a separate announcement, the interim government also urged worshippers across the country to pray for her well-being in religious institutions according to respective faith traditions.