FROM PAGE 1

The former prime minister remained under close observation at Evercare Hospital in the capital.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited Evercare Hospital last night to enquire about Khaleda’s health. He stayed there for nearly 30 minutes.

Khaleda’s personal doctor, AZM Zahid Hossain, at 3:00pm stated that her condition remained the same.

BNP Standing Committee member Zahid requested everyone to keep praying for Khaleda’s swift recovery.

The BNP chief was admitted to the hospital on November 23 on the advice of her medical board after being diagnosed with infections affecting her heart and lungs.

The 80-year-old veteran politician is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit.

Meanwhile, advisers Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Farida Akhter, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other party leaders visited the hospital.

Sharmila Rahman Sithi, wife of Khaleda’s late son Arafat Rahman Koko, also visited the hospital.

Following a visit to the hospital, Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, senior Nayeb-e-Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said, “We have enquired from those who are responsible. It is the same as before ... They have not been able to inform me of any significant changes.”

SECURITY, CROWD

Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed in front of the hospital yesterday morning.

One platoon has been stationed at the main hospital gate, while the other is patrolling the surrounding area.

Police set up a barricade in front of the hospital and took positions at the main gate. Members of the Special Security Force (SSF) were present inside the hospital.

Despite party instructions not to crowd, party leaders and activists gathered outside the hospital.

They began arriving at the hospital gate in the morning, in small groups, and stood near the gate.

BNP leader Didar Hossain from Gazipur said, “We understand the party’s instructions, but we wanted to be here to show our support for Madam [Khaleda]. We are praying for her recovery.”

Jubo Dal leader Akash Hossain from Dhanmondi said, “Our concern for Khaleda Zia’s health has brought us here. We hope for her swift recovery and return to lead the party.”

Party activist Dulal Hossain said, “It’s hard to stay away when our leader is unwell.”

PRAYERS

At different parts of the country, special prayers were offered for Khaleda’s quick recovery.

Speaking at a prayer event in Nayapaltan, BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that despite being a national leader, Khaleda built her political legacy on the streets alongside millions of supporters, not from any position of comfort or privilege.

“Khaleda Zia never practised palace politics. She walked the streets with her people,” UNB quoted him as saying.

At a separate prayer event, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Khaleda’s deteriorating health was largely the result of actions taken by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.