Khaleda Zia undergoes a minor surgery

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was placed at the intensive care unit of Evercare Hospital in the capital after she underwent a minor surgery yesterday.

"Madam [Khaleda] underwent a biopsy. She had conversations with her son Tarique Rahman and her brother Shamim Iskander after the surgery. Syeda Sharmila Rahman, her son Arafat Rahman's widow, has also talked to her. At present she is undergoing treatment at the ICU, but she is doing well," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Addressing a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office, he said, "She is out of danger."

Khaleda's physician Dr Zahid Hossain said, "A small lump was found in her body. It needs to be examined through biopsy to know its nature. That's why a small surgery was performed."

He said the former prime minister was physically okay after the surgery and had talked with family members.

"All parameters of her health are good after the biopsy. She is stable now and in the surgical unit's ICU."

Zahid, also a vice chairman of the party, asked the nation to pray for her quick recovery.

Replying to a query, Zahid said, "Biopsy does not mean treatment; it is instead a part of the diagnostic process. The treatment will depend on the biopsy report."

Khaleda is 76 years old and has health complications, he said.

Regarding the lump, he said the size of the lump is nearly 1.2 centimetres. He, however, did not disclose the location of the lump citing privacy of the patient and medical ethics.

Dr Zahid said, "Scientifically it takes 72 hours to get the biopsy report. But in some cases, it may take 15-21 days in places like the USA. So, we have to wait for the result."

When asked about a report in a news outlet which said Khaleda's physical condition is critical, Dr Zahid said, "It is sad. Media should be responsible. They must ask the doctors or the concerned persons before writing anything."

Mirza Fakhrul said doctors have been repeatedly said Khaleda needs to go abroad for better treatment and her family members applied to the government accordingly.

"Like any ordinary citizen, a former premier has the right to take treatment abroad, but the government has not acknowledged it. She was not allowed to go outside for treatment."

He said, "She needs advanced treatment in an advanced centre. This is badly needed. We think there is no legal barrier as she is entitled to get bail. It is her right. Government should allow her immediately to go abroad."

Sharmila Rahman, widow of Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, arrived from the UK on Sunday to see Khaleda. She went straight from the airport to Evercare Hospital.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the city on 12 October. Her temperature had started fluctuating a few days before that. Since her admission to hospital, she has undergone several tests.

Khaleda Zia has long being suffering from arthritis, diabetes, as well as dental and eye problems. In April this year she contracted the novel coronavirus. She recovered while under treatment at home, but as other health complications cropped up, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 27 April.

She was placed in the coronary care unit (CCU) and remained there for almost two months. She returned home on 19 June.

Khaleda Zia was sent to jail on February 8, 2018 in a corruption case. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, on 25 March last year she was given temporary release on certain conditions. The term of her release has been extended four times so far.

Khaleda Zia's family has appealed to the government for her to be sent abroad for medical treatment, but the government has not responded.