News of Khaleda Zia’s illness draws wide international coverage
PARBATTANEWS DESK
News of the grave illness of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s former prime minister and chairperson of the BNP, has drawn prominent coverage in international media, as she remains in what doctors describe as an “extremely critical” condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, Gulf News, Dawn, Reuters, AFP, the BBC and several other major outlets have reported on her health, often citing members of her medical team and senior BNP leaders.
Al Jazeera, quoting her personal physician and BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, reported that Khaleda Zia has been admitted to hospital in a “very critical” state. Gulf News carried a similar headline, relying on information from the AFP news agency.
Pakistan’s Dawn, Saudi Arabia-based Arab News and India’s NDTV have each published multiple stories on her condition. One NDTV report ran under the headline: “Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia In Intensive Care.” The Times of India, The Hindu and Hindustan Times have also given the development prominent treatment.
Arab News, citing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, reported that Khaleda Zia’s condition is “very critical.”
Dr Zahid Hossain has said her condition has remained largely unchanged for the past three days. He noted that a medical board will determine the next course of treatment and that preparations are in place to move her abroad for care if and when permission is granted.
Her family, along with BNP leaders and activists, have appealed to the public to keep Khaleda Zia in their prayers as she continues to receive treatment in hospital.
