Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's Health Deteriorates to Critical Condition Amid Political Transition

Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka in May following four months of medical treatment in London.

Dhaka:

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on Friday that the health condition of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has become "very critical," prompting them to request nationwide prayers for her recovery.

During a press conference in Dhaka, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir shared details about the deteriorating health of the party chairperson and urged citizens to keep her in their prayers.

"Our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, has fallen seriously ill and been hospitalized. Doctors informed us last night (Thursday) that her health condition is extremely critical," reported UNB, a Bangladeshi media outlet, quoting the BNP leader.

According to reports, Khaleda Zia was hospitalized in Dhaka on November 23 following recommendations from her medical board after being diagnosed with infections affecting her heart and lungs.

She is currently suffering from pneumonia and remains under close supervision in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), where both local and international specialists are managing her treatment, as reported by UNB.

Khaleda Zia had returned to Bangladesh this May after spending four months receiving medical care in London. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law - Zubaida Rahman, wife of the acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, widow of the late Arafat Rahman Koko.

Upon her arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters that Zia's return would help facilitate democratic transition in Bangladesh.

"This is a joyous day for the nation. Her presence is particularly important during this time of democratic transition," the BNP Secretary General remarked regarding her return.

Recent discussions in Bangladesh have centered around the potential homecoming of Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, who is "actively considering" leading the party from within the country.

Rahman has been directing the BNP from London and now faces a crucial decision. Having recently been cleared of major charges, including involvement in the August 2004 grenade attack, he faces minimal legal obstacles to his return.

Local media suggests that he is likely to return to Bangladesh "immediately after" the election schedule is announced, expected in early December.

It should be noted that Khaleda Zia had previously been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 1 million Bangladeshi Taka in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case on October 29, 2018. She served her sentence at the Central Jail in Old Dhaka.

Following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government during the 'student-led mass movement' on August 5, Khaleda was released through an executive order issued by Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Her jail sentences were subsequently quashed by the court.