Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health has deteriorated since she was admitted to a hospital, prompting her family and party members to urge citizens to pray for her speedy recovery on Saturday.
Zia, 80, was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 23 with symptoms of a lung infection and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, members of his party said.
Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir of Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) told reporters on Friday night that “doctors have told us that his condition is very critical.”
Several senior BNP leaders and eager supporters visited the hospital on Saturday to receive updates on his condition.
english newspaper, The daily starHe said Zia has “heart, liver and kidney problems, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis and eye-related diseases.”
He has a permanent pacemaker and previously had a stent placed in his heart, the publication reported.
Zia’s eldest son Tarique Rahman, who has resided in London since 2008, asked the people of Bangladesh to pray for his mother’s recovery in a social media post on Saturday.
“We express our sincere gratitude for all your prayers and love for the highly respected Begum Khaleda Zia,” said Rahman, 60.
Rahman said he was unable to return to Bangladesh due to circumstances beyond his control.
“I share the same deep longing as any child to have my mother’s touch in times of crisis. However, the decision to return home is not simple nor is it mine alone,” he said.
Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Sheikh Hasina’s government, which also banned her from traveling abroad for medical treatment.↵
She was freed last year, shortly after Hasina’s overthrow.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus also issued a statement.
“During this period of transition to democracy, Khaleda Zia is a source of utmost inspiration for the nation. Her recovery is very important for the country,” he said on Friday night.
Despite his poor health, Zia has vowed to campaign in elections scheduled for February 2026, in which the BNP is widely seen as the favourite.
