Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia hospitalized
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the early hours of Thursday. The 79-year-old leader, who is also the chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been battling liver cirrhosis since 2021. She also suffers from arthritis, diabetes and issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart and eyes.
Zia's health condition and treatment plan
Zia was transferred to the hospital from her Gulshan residence around 1:40am as reported by BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Upon admission, she was placed in a private cabin for further care. Her physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that "per the medical board's decision, Madam (Khaleda) was brought to Evercare Hospital at night." He added that several tests have been recommended by the board to determine her next course of treatment.
Zia's recent hospital stay and legal history
This hospitalization follows Zia's recent 45-day treatment at the same facility, after which she returned home on August 21. She had been under house arrest for five years until her release on August 6 by an order from Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. During her house arrest, Zia was acquitted in five separate cases, including one filed over allegations of celebrating a "fake birthday" and another for supporting war criminals.
Zia's health recommendations and political career
In 2021, Zia was advised to seek treatment abroad for her liver cirrhosis but was denied permission by the Hasina government. A pacemaker was successfully installed in her chest on June 23 by a team of specialist doctors. Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh from March 1991 to March 1996, and again from June 2001 to October 2006.
