Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's Critical Health Condition: On Ventilator Support with Multiple Organ Complications

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia experienced a significant health decline on Thursday night, necessitating ventilator support according to her medical team.

Dr. Shahabuddin Talukdar, chief of the medical board overseeing her care, stated, "Her breathing difficulties increased, her oxygen level fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose." The statement explained that the 80-year-old former leader had previously been receiving treatment with High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP support, but due to lack of improvement, doctors placed her on elective ventilator support to relieve stress on her lungs and vital organs.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 for multiple health complications. A team of local and international specialists is providing round-the-clock medical care as several of her vital organs remain under severe stress.

According to the medical board, Zia's kidney function has completely ceased, requiring regular dialysis. She currently needs blood transfusions, and doctors have identified problems with her aortic valve as well.

The statement elaborated, "As her fever persisted and echocardiography showed issues in the aortic valve, a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) was performed. It confirmed infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valve. Treatment for this has been started according to international guidelines."

On November 27, physicians diagnosed Zia with acute pancreatitis. She is currently receiving high-quality antibiotic and antifungal medications to combat severe infections.

While her personal physician and BNP standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain has provided media updates on her condition, this marks the first comprehensive statement from the medical board detailing her health status.

The medical board urged the public not to spread speculation or misinformation about Zia's condition and to respect her privacy and dignity, emphasizing that the "medical team is working with the highest level of care, attention and sincerity."

Zia was initially hospitalized on November 23 with a chest infection affecting both her heart and lungs. Four days later, her condition worsened, necessitating her transfer to the coronary care unit (CCU).

She had been scheduled to be transported to London last week with the medical board's approval, but her departure was delayed when an air ambulance offered by Qatar was unable to reach Dhaka. Medical professionals subsequently determined that the former premier should continue treatment at Evercare Hospital until she becomes fit for travel.