Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia remains in a critical condition in Dhaka, prompting an expression of concern from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 80-year-old BNP chairperson was placed on a ventilator amid rapidly worsening health complications. Modi wrote on X that he was “deeply concerned” about her condition and wished her a speedy recovery, adding that India stands ready to provide any assistance required.
Zia, a three-time prime minister and widow of assassinated president Zia-ur-Rahman, has been fighting multiple chronic ailments for years, including severe liver and kidney disorders, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory complications. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after a sudden deterioration affecting her heart and lungs, and was moved to the coronary care unit four days later when her chest infection worsened.
Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders said her condition has shown no improvement despite continuous treatment from both local and international medical specialists. BNP vice-chairman Ahmed Aazam Khan said that doctors have run out of medical options and appealed to the nation for prayers. Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that her health remains extremely fragile, while senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi noted there has been no change since Sunday.
Zia had returned to Bangladesh on May 6 this year after spending four months in London receiving medical treatment. Her health crisis comes at a politically sensitive time, as the BNP has gained renewed prominence following the student-led uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government from power on August 5, 2024.
