Staff Correspondent

Process is underway to send ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment, but the destination has not yet been finalised, said the party’s Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Sunday (August 18).

“Our party Secretary General has already talked about it (sending Khaleda abroad). It’s currently under process, but the specific country and centre where she will receive care have not yet been finalised,” he said.

Talking to reporters at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in the capital, the BNP leader said they will choose an advanced medical centre for her treatment after a thorough evaluation, as Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various critical ailments for a long time.

Earlier on Friday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda Zia will soon be sent abroad for advanced medical treatment.

On July 8, Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital six days after she had been discharged from the same hospital with various ailments.

A group of specialist doctors, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, successfully installed a pacemaker in Khaleda Zia’s chest on June 23.

Khaleda has long been battling various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidney, lung, heart, and eyes.

Dr Zahid, also a personal physician of Khaleda, said she has been kept under the close observation of doctors at Evercare hospital in the capital.

He visited the hospital to see the patients receiving treatment for eye injuries sustained during the student-led mass movement.

Dr Zahid said around 765 people who got eye injuries during the movement received treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.

Of them, he said 610 were admitted to the hospital while 395 others underwent various surgeries.

The BNP leader said 52 patients who are receiving treatment at the hospital will need surgery.

He also said the condition of 11 patients is very critical as they are unable to see in both eyes after being hurt by bullets.

Zahid said the government is providing the injured people with necessary treatment.

“When I was coming here, Madam (Khaleda) asked me to assure the injured people of giving all-out support from BNP. We’ll do whatever is necessary as per our ability.”