Bangladesh Chief Adviser Yunus Visits Former PM Khaleda Zia During Critical Health Crisis

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid a visit to critically ill former prime minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday at a private hospital in Dhaka.

During his nearly half-hour stay at Evercare Hospital, Chief Adviser Yunus urged patience from Zia's family members, party leaders, and supporters, according to a statement released by his press office.

The head of the medical board treating Zia briefed Yunus on her health condition, noting that specialists from two major US hospitals along with physicians from Britain and China are overseeing her treatment protocol. Yunus assured the provision of all necessary government support for the ailing former leader.

This visit followed a day after the country's three armed forces chiefs—General Waker uz Zaman, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood—also called on Zia at the hospital where she has been receiving treatment for the past 11 days.

Limited information has been shared regarding Zia's current health status since her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain stated on Tuesday that she was responding to treatment. "Begum Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital since November 27 and is responding to the treatment being provided by the doctors," he informed media representatives outside the hospital.

Reports indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping dispatched a second medical team comprising four expert doctors shortly after four British specialists arrived in Dhaka to assist with Zia's treatment.

International leaders have expressed concern for the three-time Bangladesh premier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced deep concern on Monday, stating: "Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh's public life for many years." He offered "all possible support" from India for her recovery.

Similarly, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif sent a letter extending his "sincerest prayers and good wishes" for her swift recovery.

Zia was initially hospitalized on November 23 with multiple health complications before being transferred to the CCU on November 27 as her condition worsened.

Family members at her bedside include her younger brother Shamim Iskandar, his wife Kaniz Fatema, and Zia's daughter-in-law Sharmila Rahman.

Meanwhile, her elder son and BNP's self-exiled acting chairman Tarique Rahman is monitoring her treatment from London. In a social media statement on Saturday, he wrote: "In this time of crisis, like any child, I too long for the comforting touch of my mother. But unlike others, I do not have unrestricted freedom or full authority to make decisions regarding this matter."

Rahman has resided in London since 2008 following charges and convictions in multiple cases during the military-backed caretaker government and subsequent Awami League administration under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The current interim government has withdrawn these cases, with courts acquitting him through revised judgments. Government advisers have stated there are no restrictions on his return and have promised necessary security upon arrival.

Foreign adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed authorities were prepared to issue travel documents within a day if Rahman's passport had expired, but noted that Bangladesh's embassy in the UK has not yet received any such request.