Bangladesh’s Khaleda Zia hospitalised in ‘very critical’ condition

Ex-prime minister’s household calls for prayers for her aboriginal betterment aft hospitalisation for a lung infection.

Bangladeshi erstwhile Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been hospitalised successful “very critical” condition, according to members of her party, arsenic her household and supporters urged well-wishers to commune for her speedy recovery.

Zia’s idiosyncratic physician, Dr A Z M Zahid Hossein, told reporters precocious connected Saturday that the 80-year-old politician, who was taken to the Evercare Hospital successful Dhaka connected November 23, remains successful intensive care.

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She was admitted with symptoms of a lung corruption and Hossein said she appeared to beryllium responding to the treatment.

“At this moment, I tin accidental her information has been successful the aforesaid signifier for the past 3 days. In doctors’ language, we accidental ‘she is responding to the treatment’,” helium was quoted arsenic saying by the Daily Star quality website.

“Please commune truthful that she tin proceed to person this treatment.”

Hossein’s comments came a time aft the secretary-general of Zia’s Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, told reporters that her “condition was precise critical”.

According to the Daily Star, Zia has “heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses”.

She has a imperishable pacemaker and antecedently underwent stenting for her heart, the outlet reported.

Activists successful enactment of Bangladesh’s erstwhile premier minister, Khaleda Zia, clasp a banner with her representation arsenic they commune for her betterment successful beforehand of the Evercare Hospital successful Dhaka connected November 29, 2025 [Munir UZ Zaman/AFP]

Earlier connected Saturday, BNP’s vice chairman, Ahmed Azam Khan, told reporters that an aerial ambulance was connected standby to instrumentality Zia overseas for precocious attraction if her aesculapian information stabilises.

Zia’s eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who has been based successful London since 2008, called connected the radical of Bangladesh to commune for his mother’s recovery.

“We explicit our heartfelt acknowledgment and gratitude for each your prayers and emotion for the highly respected Begum Khaleda Zia,” Rahman, 60, said successful a societal media station connected Saturday.

“We fervently petition you to proceed your prayers for her aboriginal recovery.”

Zia, who served 3 presumption arsenic premier minister, was jailed for corruption successful 2018 nether precocious ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which besides barred her from travelling overseas for aesculapian treatment.

She was released past year, soon aft Hasina’s removal.

Despite her sick health, Zia has promised to run successful elections expected successful February 2026, successful which the BNP is wide seen arsenic a frontrunner.

Waiting successful beforehand of the infirmary since morning, Liton Molla, a operator for a backstage company, said helium rushed determination aft proceeding astir Zia’s condition, describing her arsenic his “dear leader”.

“I conscionable commune she recovers and tin contention successful the election,” Liton, 45, told the AFP quality agency.

“At this moment, Bangladesh needs a person similar Khaleda Zia.”

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, besides issued a statement.

“During this transitional play to democracy, Khaleda Zia is simply a root of utmost inspiration for the nation. Her betterment is precise important for the country,” helium said connected Friday night.