Khaleda Zia shifted from ICU to cabin

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been shifted to a cabin from the intensive care unit of the capital's Evercare Hospital, and her health is improving, said her personal physician.

"Madam [Khaleda] was shifted to a cabin on Monday night and she is doing well. She was given liquid food," Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician of Khaleda, told The Daily Star yesterday.

"Her blood sugar level is still fluctuating. She is improving gradually and does not have any fever right now."

On Monday, the former prime minister underwent a surgery after a small lump was found in her body.

The lump was sent for biopsy to know its nature.

Asked about the biopsy result, Zahid said, "The medical board is waiting for the biopsy report. Biopsy is not 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 been suffering from various health-related complications including arthritis, diabetes, as well as dental and eye problems.

The former premier was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 12 October. Her body temperature had started fluctuating a few days before that. Since her admission to the hospital, she has undergone several tests.

In April this year she contracted Covid-19. She recovered while under treatment at home, but as other health complications cropped up, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27.

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

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