Khaleda not yet fit to fly abroad: doctors

The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital has said her transfer to London has been delayed because she is not physically fit to travel by air at this stage.

Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda, disclosed the update in a briefing outside Evercare Hospital on Saturday afternoon.

He said it was true that the air ambulance could not arrive on Friday due to a “technical fault”.

“At that time, the medical board also made an emergency decision that it would not be medically appropriate for her to fly at that moment. That is why the plan to take her abroad for advanced treatment has been slightly delayed. In future as well, her physical condition will determine when she can be taken overseas for treatment,” he said.

Dr Zahid added that the air ambulance remains fully prepared at all times, but even with that readiness, the highest priority is being given to Khaleda’s proper treatment, safety and security from a medical standpoint.

“This is receiving absolute priority everywhere. Members of our medical board, along with respected physicians from the United Kingdom, the United States and China, are all participating and placing the greatest importance on her physical condition,” he said.

He said the nation as a whole wants the three-time prime minister to recover.

“Doctors want [her recovery], and people from all walks of life -- young and old, men and women, from all religious and political backgrounds -- want her [to be healthy] well.

“Since her health is our top priority, our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is personally overseeing the matter and giving the doctors’ opinions the highest importance. The party is also acting entirely in line with that guidance.”

Referring to the past six years, Dr Zahid said members of the medical board have been providing treatment to Khaleda under adverse circumstances.

“You are all witnesses to what sort of conditions we have endured over the past six years. Even under those circumstances, the medical board has handled the matter with great firmness and professionalism,” he said.

‘She will fly when fit’

Dr Zahid said full preparations for overseas transfer are in place. “When the medical board deems her physically fit and properly prepared, only then will she be transferred safely abroad,” he said.

He cautioned that during a 12-14-hour flight, the physiological changes that occur at high altitude are not always easy for a critically ill patient to adapt to.

“Keeping this in mind, I request everyone not to be misled and not to spread any confusion,” he said.

He also said the government of Qatar and the interim government of Bangladesh are providing complete cooperation for taking Khaleda abroad.

“When the medical board advises based on her recovery and treatment, Insha’Allah she will be taken abroad. But above all, everyone must remember that her treatment is and will remain the topmost priority,” he said.

‘Keep away from rumours’

Dr Zahid expressed concern over misinformation.

“Different [speculations] are being circulated on social media regarding her treatment. I personally do not follow social media, but at times we hear about many rumours being spread,” he said.

He appealed to people to show respect and love for Khaleda by refraining from spreading false information. “I humbly request that no one misleads people with rumours beyond verified facts,” he said.

Calling for prayers, Dr Zahid said: “Pray to Allah. By His boundless mercy, she has recovered before from even more critical conditions through your prayers.”

He added that the medical board remains highly hopeful.

“With your prayers and Allah’s infinite kindness, we firmly believe that. God willing, [Khaleda] will recover from this physical complication as well,” he said.

Dr Zahid said Evercare Hospital authorities, along with all levels of staff involved directly and indirectly in Khaleda’s treatment, are working in full cooperation.

“Due to the emotional presence of many people worried about the leader, other admitted patients and their relatives may face various inconveniences.

“On behalf of everyone, we express our sincere apologies to those who may have been distressed,” he said. “We seek your cooperation, as without your support it would be difficult to continue her treatment smoothly.”

He also said that under the leadership of Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, both local and foreign specialists on the medical board are working around the clock.

Also, Tarique’s wife Zubaida Rahman has personally returned to Dhaka and remains constantly present to oversee her mother-in-law’s treatment, he added.