DHAKA: The health of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia has sharply deteriorated since her admission to hospital, prompting her family and party leaders to urge the nation to pray for her recovery.
The 80-year-old BNP leader was admitted on November 23 with symptoms of a lung infection and remains in the intensive care unit, party officials confirmed. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir told reporters late Friday that doctors had described her condition as “very critical.” Concerned senior BNP leaders and supporters gathered at the hospital on Saturday for updates on her health.
According to *The Daily Star*, Zia suffers from multiple chronic conditions, including heart, liver and kidney complications, diabetes, lung disease, arthritis, and eye-related issues. She also has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent cardiac stenting.Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman—living in London since 2008—urged Bangladeshis to pray for his mother’s recovery.
In a social media post, he expressed gratitude for the public’s support and said personal and uncontrollable circumstances prevented him from returning home.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus also issued a statement, calling Zia “a vital source of inspiration during the nation’s transition to democracy,” and stressing that her recovery is important for the country. Despite her deteriorating health, the three-time premier has vowed to campaign in the February 2026 elections, in which the BNP is considered a leading contender.
