Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia (80) is “extremely critical”. She was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on November 23 with chest infection that affected both her heart and lungs. According to hospital sources, her condition has deteriorated further.
“Last night, the doctors said that her physical condition is extremely critical,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was quoted as saying by the state-run BSS news agency.
“We have sought prayers from the people across the country after Jummah prayers for the recovery of the ‘Mother of Democracy’, Begum Khaleda Zia. We pray that she may recover and return to the people to get the opportunity to work for the country,” Mr. Fakhrul added.
According to hospital sources, despite a little response to treatment, the BNP leader’s health has not improved much. BNP has informed that the leader’s health is very worrying, prayers are the only resource. In this situation, BNP acting chairman and Zia’s son Tarique Rahman was supposed to return home from London, but he has not been able to return yet.
Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman is eager to return home to be with his ailing mother. But there are many complications regarding his return to Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman is the elder son and currently serves as the acting chairman of the BNP, the political party led by his mother. Rahman has been living in self-imposed exile in London since 2008 but has recently expressed his intention to return to Bangladesh to contest the upcoming general elections in February 2026.
Regarding his return to Bangladesh, Tarique mentioned in a Facebook post, “Like any son would do, I also have a strong desire to be with my mother in this hour of crisis. But implementing it is not my sole-decision. The scope to elaborate on this sensitive issue is also limited. Our family is optimistic that my long anxious wait for returning home will end as soon as this political reality reaches the expected level.”
Government will provide all necessary support: Muhammad Yunus
BNP leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after falling seriously ill. She is suffering from multiple diseases including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye problems. Zia is undergoing treatment under the supervision of a medical board made up of local and foreign doctors. However, there is no significant improvement in her health.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over the health condition of the BNP chairperson and urged all to pray for her early recovery, his office said in a press release.
“There must not be any shortcomings in Begum Khaleda Zia’s treatment. The government is prepared to provide all necessary support. At this crucial moment of democratic transition, Begum Khaleda Zia is a profound source of inspiration for the nation. Her good health is extremely important for the country,” Mr. Yunus said.
On Friday, BNP organised special prayers across the country for her speedy recovery. In addition, Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, appealed to the countrymen to pray for her. In addition, prayers were offered for Khaleda Zia at a special meeting of the advisory council on Saturday.