Bangladesh Ex-PM Khaleda Zia On Ventilator Support As Health Deteriorates

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's condition took a sharp downturn on Thursday following which she was placed on ventilator support. Doctors rushed the 80-year-old BNP chairperson onto ventilator support after her breathing grew laboured and oxygen levels plummeted.

"Her breathing difficulties increased, her oxygen level fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose,” according to a statement by the chief of the medical board cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukdar, reported PTI.

Previously relying on High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP, Zia showed no signs of improvement. The team shifted her to elective ventilation to ease the strain on her lungs and other vital organs. She's been under care at the hospital since November 23, battling a cascade of complications that started with a chest infection hitting her heart and lungs hard.