BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia has developed infections in both her heart and lungs and is now under close medical observation at Evercare Hospital, doctors said.
Speaking to reporters, Professor Dr FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her treatment, said the former prime minister had been falling ill frequently over the past few months, and several complications appeared simultaneously on Sunday.
"She has developed a chest infection," he told journalists in front of the hospital last night.
Dr Siddiqui said Khaleda already had long-standing heart complications.
She has a permanent pacemaker, previously underwent stenting, and suffers from mitral stenosis.
"Because of these conditions, the chest infection affected both her heart and lungs together, causing severe respiratory distress. That is why we brought her here quickly," Dr Siddiqui said.
After she arrived at the hospital, doctors carried out urgent tests.
Dr Siddiqui said, "We immediately performed all the necessary examinations, and based on the initial reports the entire medical board sat together. We have started antibiotics and provided all emergency treatment required."
He added that more test results are expected within 24 hours.
"She is under our intensive monitoring, and the next 12 hours are very important. She is receiving the highest level of care and remains in a cabin under constant observation," he said.
Khaleda Zia was admitted around 8:00 pm last night and is under the supervision of Professor Shahabuddin Talukder.
Following her admission, the medical board held a meeting chaired by Professor Talukder.
The meeting was attended by Professor FS Siddiqui, Dr Zafar Iqbal, Dr Ziaul Haque, Dr Mamun Ahmed, retired Brig Gen Saiful Islam, and joined virtually by Dr Zubaida Rahman from London and several specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.
Professor Siddiqui said her treatment has begun as per the board's unanimous decision.
Talking to the reporters, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said the board is taking all necessary measures with maximum caution.
"We want to assure everyone that proper steps have been taken. We do not consider the situation extremely alarming," he said.
He added that the medical board will meet again after 12 hours.
"Depending on her condition, the board will decide whether any changes in treatment are needed."
Zahid said Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman have been maintaining constant communication from London about Khaleda Zia's condition since early morning.
Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of Khaleda's late son Arafat Rahman Koko, is also present at the hospital.
Other family members are regularly checking on her treatment, he added.
Zahid said Khaleda Zia has asked the nation to pray for her recovery.
The 79-year-old former prime minister has long suffered from arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, lung complications, eye problems and other chronic conditions.
She travelled to London on January 7 for advanced treatment and returned to Dhaka on May 6 after 117 days.