The family of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia is looking at hospitals in four other countries in preparation for taking her abroad if the government grants permission for her to leave the country.
Germany has been identified as the prime destination for Khaleda Zia's treatment due to its state-of-the-art medical facilities, particularly for liver cirrhosis, the ailment she is battling. Additionally, hospitals in the United States, Australia, and Singapore are being considered for their advanced treatment options.
On September 25, Maj (Retd) Sayeed Iskander, Khaleda Zia's younger brother, formally applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking permission for her overseas treatment. This latest appeal follows multiple previous requests, and the family is now cautiously optimistic about receiving a positive response.
For the past 50 days, the 78-year-old Khaleda Zia has been under treatment at the Evercare Hospital in the capital city, Dhaka. Her health has not shown significant improvement, and she has needed regular admission to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Her personal physicians report that her condition is progressively deteriorating, and senior party leaders and medical experts express concerns that she stands at a life-and-death crossroads.
A BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the government appears to be more receptive this time to the idea of sending Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment. However, specific details about when and where this permission will be granted remain unclear. The decision may be forthcoming over the weekend.
Sayeed Iskander told Dhaka Tribune: "We expect a prompt response from the ministry. Khaleda Zia is in dire need of advanced treatment, which is only available abroad. We've submitted our application with the hope of receiving a positive outcome."
Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia's personal physician, said: "She is seriously ill and requires immediate advanced treatment, including a liver transplant, which is not feasible within the country."
He further said that her heart and kidney complications have worsened due to liver cirrhosis, leading to breathing difficulties and abdominal issues.
BNP leaders are urging the government to expedite the decision-making process, as Khaleda Zia's life hangs in the balance. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: "We are advocating for Khaleda Zia's better treatment on behalf of our party and working to ensure fair elections in the country. Her critical condition demands swift action to send her abroad for treatment. Her family has formally applied for this purpose, and the government must decide accordingly."
Mirza Fakhrul recently engaged with Jan-Rolf Janowski, the Charge d'affaires of the German Embassy in Dhaka, who expressed Germany's readiness to provide the best possible treatment for Khaleda Zia if Bangladesh grants permission.
Law Minister Anisul Haque confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has received the application for Khaleda Zia's medical treatment abroad and stated that the decision will be reached shortly.
Khaleda Zia's health struggles began after her imprisonment in February 2018 in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. She spent nearly two years behind bars and was subsequently granted a conditional release on March 25, 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, her release has been extended every six months due to her deteriorating health condition.
