FM Siddiqui accuses authorities of “wilful negligence” in the medical treatment of Khaleda Zia

Professor Dr FM Siddiqui, head of the medical team for BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, has accused the Awami League government of gross negligence and “wilful neglect” in her medical treatment while she was imprisoned.

He alleged that Khaleda Zia was given medication that effectively acted as a “slow poison.” Dr Siddiqui made the remarks on Friday while speaking at a citizens’ condolence meeting in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka.

According to him, one of the medicines used during her treatment proved highly damaging to her liver and eventually pushed her to the brink of death.

“Many people ask whether Madam was given slow poison,” Dr Siddiqui said. “My response is that methotrexate was the drug that rapidly turned her fatty liver disease into liver cirrhosis. In that sense, it gradually acted like poison for her liver.”

He said millions across the country are now burdened with deep regret, wishing that a leader who devoted her life to democracy and voting rights had lived longer to see people exercise their franchise without fear.

Providing background to his team’s involvement, Dr Siddiqui said the current medical board assumed responsibility for Khaleda Zia’s treatment after she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27, 2021, with Covid-19–related complications.

“Immediately after her admission, tests revealed—much to our shock and concern—that Madam was suffering from liver cirrhosis,” he said.

Dr Siddiqui noted that earlier discharge summaries showed Khaleda Zia had long been prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, and that the drug was continued even during her hospitalisation. “We stopped the medication immediately,” he added.

He further said Khaleda Zia also suffered from fatty liver disease, making regular liver function tests and ultrasonography essential. However, he alleged that despite worsening liver function test results, the government-appointed doctors neither conducted a single ultrasonogram nor discontinued methotrexate.

Dr Siddiqui said Khaleda Zia had declined ultrasonography at the facility due to a lack of trust in the treating physicians. Even so, he argued that given the gravity of her condition, a bedside point-of-care ultrasound by a trusted doctor could have been arranged, or at the very least, the drug should have been withdrawn.

He claimed that this negligence, combined with the rapid deterioration of her liver function, ultimately pushed Khaleda Zia toward death.

“This is wilful negligence. It is an unforgivable crime,” he said, adding that an investigation was needed to determine whether it was part of a long-term plan to kill her.

Dr Siddiqui also alleged clear negligence in the management of Khaleda Zia’s diabetes and arthritis, as documented by the medical board.

Calling for a legal probe by a high-powered committee, he outlined three areas for investigation: the identities and qualifications of members of the government-formed medical board; which doctors were directly involved in her treatment and whether there was evidence of negligence; and why her personal physicians were not allowed to be part of the medical team, or who prevented their inclusion.

For a fair inquiry, Dr Siddiqui demanded that all medical records related to Khaleda Zia’s treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University be legally seized and that travel restrictions be imposed on those concerned if necessary.

“We hope the government will contact Madam’s family and take the required legal steps without delay,” he said, adding, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”