BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment and remains under close supervision, her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday, urging everyone not to heed circulating rumors about her condition.

Speaking at a press briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is being treated by a joint medical team comprising specialists from Bangladesh, the United States and the United Kingdom.

He said Acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is constantly overseeing her treatment and maintaining communication with local and foreign doctors.

Senior BNP leaders and members of the interim government are also coordinating with hospital authorities to ensure full support.

Regarding the possibility of sending Khaleda Zia abroad, Dr Zahid said the medical board has reviewed her condition, and specialists from the UK are expected to examine her as well. She will only be transferred overseas if the board deems her travel-ready and considers foreign treatment essential, he added.

Although preparations are in place, any decision will strictly follow the medical board’s recommendation.

Dr Zahid requested prayers for Khaleda Zia during what he described as a critical moment.

He also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading or believing unverified information, noting that only designated BNP representatives will brief the media on her health.

Earlier, BNP issued a notification stating that Dr Zahid will issue updates on Khaleda Zia’s medical status, while Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will brief on other matters.

Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital since 23 November, where tests revealed a lung infection. The BNP later described her condition as critical, and she has been under intensive care in the Critical Care Unit since 27 November. Her treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened around Evercare Hospital. Police set up barricades at the main entrance late Monday night, restricting public access and preventing crowds from gathering.

Police officials said the measures were implemented around 2 AM to ensure patient movement, minimize congestion and enhance the security of the BNP chief.