Khaleda Zia's Liver Transplant Hinges on Test Results

The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at London Clinic is set to decide on a potential liver transplant based on her upcoming medical test reports, according to her personal physician, Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Speaking to journalists outside London Clinic on Tuesday, Dr. Zahid stated, “Madam’s medical tests for major complications will continue over the next few days. The doctors will finalise her treatment plan after reviewing the results.”

Regarding the possibility of a liver transplant, he added, “It remains under consideration but depends entirely on her fitness and the test outcomes, especially given her age of 79.”

Dr. Zahid highlighted that Khaleda Zia is under the care of a team led by renowned liver specialist Prof. John Patrick Kennedy, alongside six other specialists, including Dr. Jennifer Cross and Dr. John Goldstone. Physicians from Bangladesh, including Dr. Zubaida Rahman, are also collaborating on her treatment.

Khaleda Zia’s health has been a longstanding concern. Since testing positive for COVID-19 in April 2021, she has been hospitalised 15 times, spending 422 days at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Despite limited resources, local physicians, with input from international experts, provided extensive care that received praise from foreign doctors.

Dr. Zahid noted that the medical team in London has made adjustments to her treatment based on initial test results. If necessary, specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the US may join the team in London.

Once discharged, Khaleda Zia is expected to stay at her son Tarique Rahman’s residence in London for further recovery. Her family, including her granddaughters and daughter-in-law, are actively supporting her, with homemade meals being brought to the hospital daily.

Khaleda Zia’s health has been a critical issue since her conviction in 2018, which led to a significant decline in her condition. After being acquitted, she faced recurring health challenges, requiring extensive treatment in Dhaka before her transfer to London for advanced care.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that Khaleda Zia’s condition is improving, and her family remains optimistic about her recovery.