Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia experienced a sharp decline in her health on Thursday night. Doctors placed her on ventilator support after her breathing worsened. Her oxygen levels fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose. The medical board chief, cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukdar, confirmed these developments in an official statement.
The 80-year-old BNP chairperson has stayed at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital since November 23. She has battled several complications linked to her heart, lungs, kidneys, and pancreas. Doctors relied on High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP support earlier, but her condition did not improve. They then shifted her to ventilator support to reduce the strain on her organs.
Her kidney function has stopped completely, and she now undergoes regular dialysis. She also needs repeated blood transfusions. Doctors detected issues in her aortic valve after persistent fever. A Transoesophageal Echocardiogram confirmed infective endocarditis. The team started treatment according to global guidelines.
On November 27, doctors also identified acute pancreatitis. A group of local and foreign specialists now monitors her around the clock.
Khaleda Zia was expected to fly to London last week for further treatment. However, an air ambulance from Qatar did not reach Dhaka. Her medical team has decided to continue her treatment in Dhaka until she stabilises.
