The government has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ (VVIP).

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers, held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud read out the statement at a media briefing after the meeting. He, however, did not take any question.

He said the meeting decided to declare Khaleda Zia a VVIP of the State, considering her current physical condition, unhindered treatment in the hospital, making plan for her advanced medical care abroad, if necessary, her security and travel facilities and her high status.

All relevant authorities were instructed to implement this decision immediately, said the Planning Adviser.

He said Khaleda Zia's family and her party are aware of this matter.

The meeting also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of three-time former Prime Minister BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The meeting also urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda Zia.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.

The BNP Chairperson is receiving her prescribed treatment properly and is expected to recover, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday.

“We firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us. She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her,” he said.

Talking to reporters during a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital at noon, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment provided by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists.

Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with several health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the CCU on November 27, where she remains under close observations.

Amid a surge of prayers and concern for Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman thanked people across Bangladesh and abroad for their support, urging all to continue prayers for her recovery.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, “I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia's recovery.”

He said the widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible.

“This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment,” Tarique said.

Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs.

Khaleda receiving prescribed treatment, expected to recover: Dr Zahid

Meanwhile, members of the Special Security Force (SSF) have begun duty at Evercare Hospital, where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment since 23 November, according to BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He said the SSF members took position at the hospital around 2:20pm.