Khaleda Zia's Health Deteriorates, BNP Asks for Public Prayers During Crisis

Dhaka: Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, with her condition described as “very critical.” The 80-year-old was hospitalised on Sunday night due to severe infections affecting her heart and lungs, causing alarm among her supporters and political circles nationwide.

On Friday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir requested the public to pray for her recovery, highlighting the gravity of her health as warned by doctors. This hospitalisation occurs at a crucial juncture for Bangladesh, with general elections slated for February 2026. The BNP, historically guided by Khaleda Zia, is viewed as a leading contender in the forthcoming elections.

Khaleda Zia, in addition to being a former Prime Minister, is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP. She has served as Prime Minister twice, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, and is one of the two significant political “begums” in Bangladesh, the other being current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose long-standing rivalry with Zia has significantly influenced the nation’s political history.

After the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and the installation of Muhammad Yunus as interim leader in August 2024, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh in May 2025 following medical treatment in London. Prior to her return, she had spent several months in London with her son, BNP leader Tarique Rahman. She had faced house arrest in Bangladesh since 2019, only to be acquitted of all charges after the government change. During Sheikh Hasina’s term, she was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2018.

Since her return to Dhaka, Khaleda Zia has made various public appearances, including one with interim chief Muhammad Yunus on Armed Forces Day. Her recent hospitalisation, mere months before the elections, has prompted questions regarding the party’s campaign approaches, as she was slated to run from three different constituencies. Her son, Tarique Rahman, currently exiled in London, manages party affairs, but his anticipated return ahead of the elections has been postponed.

Political experts observe that, with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League weakened, the BNP has a robust stance leading into the 2026 elections. Still, emerging political groups like the Nationalist Students Party (NCP) are beginning to challenge the BNP in local politics, indicating a more competitive election landscape.

The BNP leadership has called upon supporters for unity and prayers, underscoring the significance of Khaleda Zia’s health for the future of the party and the overall political stability of Bangladesh. Her health condition is of paramount importance as the country heads toward a potentially defining election year.