‘Country has lost a guardian, not just a party leader’

After spending 484 days beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia during her treatment over the past five years, her personal physician Zahid Hossain said the country had lost a guardian, not just a party leader.

"I stayed with her for 484 days over the past five years for her treatment. Today, the country has lost a guardian. This is not just a loss for the BNP as a party," Zahid said.

He made the remarks at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan.

"She was someone who always thought about the welfare of the country and its people. She never encouraged anything that would cause suffering to ordinary citizens," said Zahid, also a member of the BNP Standing Committee.

He said Khaleda Zia's condition worsened sharply on November 22.

"She called me that day. The following day, on November 23, she was admitted to the hospital. Throughout her illness, she followed doctors' advice and always tried to act according to medical instructions," he added.

Referring to the Covid-19 period, Zahid said it was a time when many families were separated.

"There were situations when children left their parents, sons left their mothers, and mothers left their sons. During that difficult time, doctors stood by her," he said.

He also spoke of her personal warmth towards those around her.

"She treated doctors with motherly affection. No one ever left her home without eating. She would personally ask whether the doctors had been served food. If someone arrived late, she would ask why they were delayed," Zahid said.

The former prime minister passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka early today.