Khaleda’s Treatment: No scope for delays

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at the capital's Evercare Hospital, is critical and there is no scope to further delay her better treatment that is only possible abroad, said physicians.

The pro-BNP association of physicians, Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), yesterday said that it was not possible to ensure better treatment of Khaleda by bringing in foreign doctors in the country as medical equipment and technology is not available here.

Addressing a press briefing at the National Press Club, DAB President Harun Al Rashid said, "Khaleda bleeds several times. It reached a point where there is no chance of delay.

"A team of well-trained physicians and advanced equipment are needed for her treatment. Thus, bringing in doctors from abroad is not the solution."

He also said that Khaleda's treatment was not available at all medical centres in the USA, UK and Germany. Only a handful of centres could offer the facilities.

"A complete team is required to treat her. Those who are saying that Khaleda can be treated here is only supporting the government's stance."

DAB Secretary General Abdus Salam said Khaleda was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and treatment of liver transplant or liver cirrhosis is not available in Bangladesh.

"Till the date, there are reports of two liver transplants in Bangladesh. Among them, one died and the physical condition of the other is not good."

So, the claim of liver cirrhosis treatments being available in Bangladesh is not true, he added.

About Khaleda's latest condition, Harun said, "Her haemoglobin level dropped slightly. She did bleed on Monday night. We are yet to get other pathological reports."

Reading out a written statement, the DAB demanded Khaleda Zia's advanced treatment abroad and her permanent release.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the Awami League government, not the law, is the barrier to sending Khaleda abroad for better treatment.

"We all know that Khaleda Zia is seriously ill. She is now fighting for her life. The government talked about the law but the government can send Khaleda abroad anytime if it wants," he said adding, "The barrier is not the law, but the current illegitimate government."

He came up with the remarks at a "silent procession" programme of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal organised in front of the party's Nayapaltan headquarters demanding the release of Khaleda and permission for sending her abroad for better treatment.

The law enforcers did not allow them to bring out any procession and later they staged a demonstration there.

The 76-year-old former premier was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to treat her she needs to be taken abroad immediately in an advanced centre for better treatment.

Khaleda has long been suffering from arthritis, diabetes, as well as dental and eye problems. She was admitted to the hospital on November 13 and moved to the CCU on the following day, nearly a week after she was discharged from the same healthcare facility.

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

EMINENT CITIZENS FOR KHALEDA'S RELEASE

Twenty-three eminent citizens of the country yesterday urged the government to send BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad immediately.

"Khaleda Zia's family has requested the government to send her abroad immediately for better treatment. We are urging the government to consider this request cordially and to allow Khaleda to get treatment abroad without any delay," read the statement.

The statement also read, "We think that if the government shows such a humane attitude, it will also play a positive role in creating a better political culture."

Referring to media reports, the statement said former prime minister Khaleda Zia's physical condition is in a critical state.

She has been suffering from various chronic diseases for a long time and after being infected with Covid-19 her physical condition has gradually deteriorated, it read.

The 23 eminent citizens are Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Prof Ahmed Kamal, Prof Swapan Adnan, Photographer Shahidul Alam, Prof Parveen Hasan, Prof Asif Nazrul, Prof Shahnaz Huda, right activists Shireen Huq, Noor Khan Liton, Rehnuma Ahmed, Hana Shams Ahmed, female leaders Farida Akhter and Naila Z Khan, Jahangirnagar University's Nasrin Khandakar, Mirza Taslima Sultana and Prof Sayeed Ferdous, Chattogram University's Maidul Islam, advocate Subrata Chowdhury, advocate Hasnat Kaium, researcher Rozina Begum, cultural activist Arup Rahee, journalist Dr Saydia Gulrukh and social worker Naser Bakhtiar.