Khaleda’s condition stable

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Star file photo

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, is physically stable and her lungs are in good condition, said her doctor.

The former prime minister was hospitalised for her routine medical check-up which was due for more than a year and a half.

"As madam [Khaleda] was taken to hospital for CT scan, doctors suggested a comprehensive medical check-up as it was due for more than one and half years," her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain told The Daily Star.

Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Tuesday night. She was admitted under cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukdar.

Zahid said to complete all the medical tests, it may need one more day of stay in the hospital.

A 10-member medical board was formed to treat Khaleda yesterday.

Zahid told journalists that some new medicines were added to treat her and her condition was stable.

"A medical board has been formed. This board examined the test reports and suggested some new tests," he said.

Zahid said as per the medical board's advice, the tests would be done and her treatment will be planned accordingly.

He said Khaleda's lungs are good and she does not have any cardiological problems.

The physician said she was undergoing treatment in the non-Covid-19 unit of the hospital as she does not have any Covid-19 symptoms.

Asked when Khaleda will return home, he said, "It is tough to say but she will return soon once her tests are completed."

He said the BNP chief has been suffering from arthritis, diabetics and ophthalmological issues.

Khaleda tested Covid-19 positive on April 11 and in the follow-up test on April 24, she tested positive again.

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government on March 25 last year freed Khaleda from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her jail sentences in two graft cases.

She was released from the prison cell at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University the same day. Since then, she has been staying at her Gulshan residence.

On August 27 last year, the government extended Khaleda's release period for six months. It was extended for another six months on March 15 this year.

On February 8, 2018, the BNP chief was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail after a court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The High Court later doubled her sentence.

Khaleda was found guilty in another graft case the same year. Her party, however, claims both the cases are politically motivated.