Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been hospitalised in critical condition, revealed leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The BNP supremo, 80, was first brought to Evercare Hospital in Dhakha on November 23 after she suffered a chest infection. She is being treated by a medical board comprising Bangladeshi and foreign doctors.
What happened to Khaleda Zia?
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said last night, the doctors said that her physical condition is extremely critical. He asked people in the country to pray for her recovery. The chest infection has affected her heart and lungs, he said.
Today, 23 November 2025, the visiting Prime Minister of Bhutan, @tsheringtobgay, extended his warm greetings to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia by presenting a bouquet of flowers during a meeting with BNP leaders at Hotel Intercontinental, Shahbagh,… pic.twitter.com/6VMuC3IOtM
— Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) November 23, 2025
She has already been suffering from liver and kidney issues. Besides, she also has diabetes and arthritis.
After Friday's Jumma prayers, special prayers were held for the party chief's speedy recovery, said Alamgir. "We pray that she recovers and can work for the country again," he added.
Earlier, Zia was being treated in London before she returned to Dhaka on May 6. Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, has been living in London since 2008. Arafat Rahman, the younger son, died of heart attack earlier this year.
Zia, who is the widow of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman, served as PM of the country twice from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006. Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated on May 30, 1981, by rebel army officers in Chittagong, was the founder of BNP. Later Zia took over as BNP chief in 1984.
