Dhaka (TDI): Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia remains in a “very critical” condition as her health deteriorated further since her admission to hospital last week, prompting appeals for prayers from her family and party leaders.
The 80-year-old BNP chairperson was admitted on November 23 with symptoms consistent with a lung infection and has since been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, according to members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir told reporters late Friday that doctors had informed the family of the seriousness of her condition. “Her condition is very critical,” he said.
Senior BNP leaders and concerned supporters continued to gather at the hospital on Saturday seeking updates on Zia’s health. According to local media, the former premier suffers from multiple ailments, including heart issues, liver and kidney complications, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses. She has a permanent pacemaker and has previously undergone heart stenting.
Zia’s elder son, Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, issued an emotional message on social media requesting prayers for his mother’s recovery. “We express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all your prayers and love for the highly respected Begum Khaleda Zia,” he wrote.
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Rahman said he was unable to return to Bangladesh due to circumstances “beyond my control”. “I share the same deep longing as any child to have my mother’s touch in moments of crisis,” he said. “However, the decision to return home is neither straightforward nor mine alone to make.”
Khaleda Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, was jailed on corruption charges in 2018 under the government of Sheikh Hasina. The conviction also barred her from travelling abroad for medical treatment. She was released last year after Hasina’s ouster.
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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus also expressed concern, calling Zia a symbol of strength during the country’s “transitional period to democracy”. “Her recovery is very important for the nation,” he said on Friday.
Despite her declining health, Zia has vowed to campaign in the February 2026 elections, where the BNP is widely regarded as a frontrunner.
