Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection

Talking to reporters, Professor Dr F M Siddiqui, a member of the medical board formed for her treatment, said Khaleda was brought to the hospital as several of her health problems appeared at the same time.

“She has a chest infection. As a result, her heart and lungs have been affected at a time. Because of this, she was facing some respiratory distress. That is why we brought her here quickly,” Dr Siddiqui said.

He said Khaleda has long been suffering from heart problems, including a permanent pacemaker and earlier stenting.

“As her chest infection affected the heart and lungs at the same time, we carried out urgent tests. Based on the reports received so far, she has been placed on antibiotics as advised by the medical board,” he said.

Dr Siddiqui said more test results are expected within the next 12 hours and Khaleda is now under close and intensive monitoring. “She is currently in a cabin but remains under intensive observation.”

BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda’s personal physician Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said it is not possible to say yet how long the BNP chief will need to stay in hospital.

“The duration of her stay will depend entirely on her physical condition,” he said.

The BNP Chairperson was admitted to Evercare Hospital around 8:15pm.

Khaleda, 80, has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, heart issues, arthritis, diabetes, lung problems and eye-related illnesses.

She has been receiving treatment at her Gulshan residence under a combined medical team involving her personal doctors and specialists from Evercare Hospital.

She was last taken to Evercare Hospital on 15 October for day-long medical examinations, reports UNB.