Dhaka, Dec 3, 2025 — A team of specialists from the United Kingdom will arrive in Bangladesh to join the international panel overseeing former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s care, her aides said. The UK doctors will supplement an existing medical board that already includes physicians from the United States and Bangladesh, as well as offers of assistance from India, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
AZM Zahid Hossain, an aide to Zia, said the specialists were expected to examine her on Tuesday. He stressed that moving the 80-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson abroad is not possible at this time, and that all decisions will follow the medical board’s recommendations. Hossain added that the board is closely monitoring her condition and providing appropriate treatment, and expressed hope for recovery.
Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after infections affecting her heart and lungs were diagnosed. Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the coronary care unit four days later. BNP Vice-Chairman Ahmed Aazam Khan said her condition worsened further and she was placed on a ventilator Sunday night.
Security around the hospital was tightened early Tuesday. Police set up a barricade at Evercare’s main gate around 2 a.m., and more than two dozen officers were deployed to control movement. The interim government designated Zia a very important person, enabling the deployment of the Special Security Force for her protection. Four SSF personnel inspected sections of the hospital overnight. Zia is occupying a fourth-floor cabin; surrounding rooms have been vacated under enhanced security protocols.
Supporters and party units across Bangladesh have held special prayers for her recovery in cities including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Barishal, Sylhet and Mymensingh, and many people have posted messages online wishing her well. Her son and acting BNP chairman, Tarique Rahman, thanked supporters for their outpouring of support and said the response has been a powerful source of strength. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that Rahman, who has been living in London, is expected to return to Bangladesh soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier expressed deep concern and offered all possible support.
