 "Former Bangladesh's PM Khaleda Zia. File Photo/Reuters")
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s health condition has become “extremely critical”, a senior party leader said on Friday.
The 80-year-old former premier was taken to hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection that impacted both her heart and lungs.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, quoted by the state-run BSS news agency said doctors informed them on Thursday night that her condition had reached an extremely serious stage.
The BNP held special prayers after Friday prayers seeking her quick recovery.
“We have requested prayers across the country after Jummah for the recovery of the ‘Mother of Democracy’, Begum Khaleda Zia. We hope she recovers and returns to the people to continue her work for the country,” Fakhrul said.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern about the BNP leader’s health and urged the public to pray for her early recovery, his office said in a statement.
It added that Yunus has been receiving regular updates on Zia’s condition and has instructed officials to ensure all necessary medical support is provided.
It said the chief adviser has been regularly inquiring about updates of Zia’s health progress and has instructed all concerned to ensure every form of necessary treatment support.
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View All”There must not be any shortcomings in Begum Khaleda Zia’s treatment. The government is prepared to provide all necessary support,” Yunus said.
”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,” he added.
Zia, the wife of slain Bangladesh president Zia-ur Rahman, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver and kidney issues, diabetes, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses.
Her only son and BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has been living in London since 2008. Her other son, Arafat Rahman, died of a cardiac arrest in 2025.
BNP has emerged as the frontrunner in Bangladesh’s changed political landscape after a student-led violent street protest toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
Earlier in the year, Zia returned to the country from London on May 6 after spending four months for advanced medical treatment.
With inputs from agencies