Khaleda Zia in ‘very critical’ condition as Bangladesh prays for ailing ex-prime minister
Sultanul Arefin 
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia remains in a “very critical” condition at a Dhaka hospital, prompting nationwide concern and calls for prayers from supporters and political leaders.
Khaleda Zia hospitalised with severe lung infection
Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on 23 November after suffering breathing difficulties and chest infection symptoms. Doctors later confirmed pneumonia and serious infections affecting both her heart and lungs.
She is being treated in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit under a team of local and foreign specialists. According to her medical board, her overall condition remains extremely fragile despite intensive treatment.
Health complications: heart, liver and kidney problems
Khaleda has lived with multiple long-term illnesses for years, including heart disease, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, arthritis and lung problems. She has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent heart stenting procedures.
Doctors say treating one condition can worsen another, making her case especially complex. As a result, the medical board is adjusting medication carefully and monitoring her organs around the clock.
Doctors say condition is ‘very critical’ but stable
Her personal physician, Dr A Z M Zahid Hossein, told local media that Khaleda is “responding to treatment” but still considered very critical. He explained that her condition has remained at the same serious stage for several days.
Meanwhile, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described her health as “extremely critical” and urged citizens to pray for her recovery. Special prayers have been organised at mosques across Bangladesh.
Air ambulance on standby for possible overseas treatment
BNP leaders say an air ambulance is ready in case doctors approve flying Khaleda abroad for advanced care. London and Singapore are being discussed as potential destinations, although physicians insist she is currently too ill to travel.
Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, based in London and serving as acting BNP chair, has publicly asked supporters to keep praying for his mother. He and other family members are receiving continuous updates from the medical team.
Political significance of Khaleda Zia’s health crisis
Khaleda Zia, a three-time prime minister and current chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, remains a central figure in the country’s opposition politics. She was jailed on corruption charges in 2018 under former leader Sheikh Hasina, then freed on humanitarian grounds before travelling to London for treatment earlier this year.
Her latest hospitalisation comes as Bangladesh prepares for elections expected in early 2026, with the BNP seen as a major contender. As a result, her health has become both a deeply personal concern for supporters and a critical factor in the country’s shifting political landscape.
Featured Image: Collected
About The Author
Suzan Seherin 