Khaleda home after 26 days in hospital

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned home yesterday after a 26-day stay in the capital's Evercare hospital.

Hundreds of party leaders and activists followed her on her way from the hospital to the residence, where she reached at around 5:45pm.

The 76-year-old former premier was released, as no complication was found in the biopsy of a lump that was removed from her body.

Syeda Sharmila Rahman, her deceased son Arafat Rahman's wife, accompanied her, while senior party leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, welcomed the BNP chief back into her house Firoza.

Khaleda's physicians said her medical board has suggested taking her abroad for better treatment.

"The medical board this time too has suggested that she be taken abroad for smooth treatment and follow-ups. She needs good quality medical treatment," AZM Zahid Hossain, her physician, told journalists.

He said the BNP chairperson expects better treatment and she sought prayers from the people of the country for her sound health.

Speaking to journalists, Fakhrul said, "She is well now."

Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital on October 12. Her temperature had started fluctuating a few days before that.

After admission, she underwent several medical tests.

On October 25, AZM Zahid told reporters that a lump was found in her body and it was sent for biopsy. The hospital later confirmed that the lump was non-cancerous.

Khaleda has long been suffering from arthritis, diabetes, as well as dental and optical issues.

She was infected with Covid-19 this April and underwent treatment at home. However, due to other health complications, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the 27th of that month.

She was kept in the coronary care unit and remained there for almost two months. She went back home on June 18.

The BNP chief was sent to jail on February 8, 2018, in a corruption case. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, on March 25 last year, she was granted temporary release on certain conditions. The term of her release has been extended four times so far.

Khaleda's family has appealed to the government for her to be sent abroad for medical treatment. However, there has been no response in this regard yet.