The health condition of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is "extremely critical," a close aide confirmed on Friday. The 80-year-old former premier was admitted to hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection that has affected both her heart and lungs. "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 news agency.
The BNP organised special prayers after the Friday Jummah prayers for the speedy recovery of the party’s chairperson. "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," Fakhrul added.
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.
His office confirmed that the Chief Adviser has been regularly inquiring about updates on Zia’s health progress and has instructed all concerned to ensure every form of necessary treatment support.
"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 the 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.
The 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 this year, Zia returned to the country on May 6th after spending four months in London for advanced medical treatment.
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