DHAKA, 24 November (H.S.): Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Sunday night after developing serious infections affecting both her heart and lungs.

The 79-year-old political leader is currently under intensive medical observation, with her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain confirming that she has requested the nation to pray for her swift recovery.

Critical 12-Hour Window

Dr FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her treatment, stated that the former Prime Minister has been experiencing recurrent health issues over recent months, with multiple complications manifesting simultaneously on Sunday.

He explained that a chest infection has impacted both her heart and lungs concurrently, causing significant respiratory distress. Her condition over the next 12 hours is crucial, Dr Siddiqui told reporters outside Evercare Hospital on Sunday night.

Pre-Existing Cardiac Complications

The medical board member disclosed that Begum Khaleda has a permanent pacemaker implanted and has previously undergone heart stenting procedures. She also suffers from mitral stenosis, a condition that has compounded the severity of the current chest infection.

Following her admission at approximately 8:00 PM, doctors conducted comprehensive tests and immediately initiated antibiotic treatment based on preliminary reports.

International Medical Collaboration

The medical board, chaired by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, convened shortly after her admission. The meeting included prominent physicians such as Dr Zafor Iqbal, Dr Ziaul Haq, Dr Mamun Ahmed, and retired Brigadier General Saiful Islam. Specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and Dr Zubaida Rahman from London participated virtually in the consultation.

Professor Zahid Hossain assured the public that appropriate measures have been implemented, stating they are not currently viewing the situation as critically alarming.

Family Involvement and Medical History

Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman have maintained constant communication from London regarding the former Prime Minister's condition. Syeda Shamila Rahman, widow of Begum Khaleda's late son Arafat Rahman Coco, is present at the hospital.

The veteran politician has been battling chronic health conditions including arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, lung complications, and vision problems. She had traveled to London on January 7 this year for advanced medical treatment and returned to Dhaka on May 6 after spending 117 days abroad.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar