Mirza Fakhrul is giving a speech in Gulshan on Tuesday. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 14, 2025 (BSS) – BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is much better than before as her health condition is improving after being admitted at London Clinic, UK.

“Our Madam, Begum Khaleda Zia, the beloved leader of the country and the symbol of Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, is doing much better now both mentally and physically,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a press conference at party chief’s Gulshan political office here today.

The press conference was arranged to disclose the party decisions taken in its national standing committee meeting held on Monday.

On January 8, three-time ex-Prime Minister Begum Zia was admitted to prestigious London Clinic under the supervision of renowned liver specialist Prof. John Patrick Kennedy.

She was taken to London in a special air ambulance equipped with state-of-the-art health services leaving Dhaka airport on January 7. 

From Heathrow International Airport, London, she was taken directly to London Clinic. Her eldest son, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, drove his mother to the hospital. Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman was also with them.

She is feeling happy mentally and physically getting her near and dear ones beside her after long. Her younger son late Arafat Rahman’s wife Sharmila Rahman, granddaughters Barrister Zaima Rahman and Zahia Rahman and Zafia Rahman are taking care of her at the hospital.

Her family members are bringing homemade food for her at the hospital. Morning and afternoon snacks are also being served from home. Her son Tarique Rahman is going to the hospital carrying foods himself.

BNP chief’s personal physician and party’s standing committee member Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain and Begum Khaleda Zia's entourage, member of the medical team Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury and UK BNP leaders conveyed this information to local journalists in London and to journalists in Dhaka through the BNP media cell at different times.

The 79-year-old former premier has been suffering from various ailments for long. Her illness worsened after she was convicted in a case in 2018 and sent to prison. In the meantime, her physical condition became very critical several times. She had to undergo treatment for a long time at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.