Khaleda moved to cabin with CCU facilities

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who underwent the implantation of a permanent pacemaker in her chest at Evercare Hospital in the capital, was shifted from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to a cabin this afternoon (24 June).

"Madam Khaleda Zia has been moved to a cabin with CCU facilities on the advice of the medical board at 4:45 pm today (Monday)," her physician Prof AZM Zahid Hossain told UNB.

He said the decision was made following a review of her health condition by the medical board.

Prof Zahid said that Khaleda Zia will continue to receive treatment in the cabin under the close observation of doctors.

A 'permanent pacemaker' was successfully implanted in her chest on Monday afternoon. Subsequently, she was placed in the CCU under the intensive supervision of physicians.

He confirmed that Khaleda Zia remains stable as there has been no deterioration in her physical condition since the pacemaker procedure.

He said Khaleda also underwent further medical tests as advised by the medical board.

The physician said the medical board, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, convened a meeting on Monday afternoon. "They reviewed the BNP Chairperson's test reports and subsequently visited Begum Zia in the CCU. Following this, they decided to shift her to the cabin."

Several specialist doctors from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including Khaleda's daughter-in-law and cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman from London, participated virtually in the medical board meeting.

Earlier on Sunday, a group of specialist doctors at Evercare Hospital successfully implanted the pacemaker in Khaleda Zia's chest.

Dr Zahid, who also serves as a BNP vice chairman, mentioned that Khaleda had previously experienced heart issues involving three blockages.

"After a thorough assessment, the medical board opted to implant the pacemaker in her heart," the physician explained.

On 11 June 2022, Khaleda Zia was diagnosed with multiple blockages in her heart at Evercare Hospital. One of these blockages was 95% blocked and was treated with stent placement at that time.

Khaleda Zia was rushed to Evercare Hospital in an ambulance at around 3:30 am on Saturday after suddenly falling ill at her residence, 'Firoza' in Gulshan. She was promptly admitted to the CCU, where her medical treatment began under the supervision of a medical board.

The former prime minister, aged 79, has long been battling various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidney, lung, heart, and eyes.