Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia in Critical Condition as BNP Calls for Prayer

Post by : Raina Nasser

Dhaka: Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Party representatives have described her condition as “very critical.” The 80-year-old leader was hospitalized on Sunday night amid serious infections affecting her heart and lungs, sparking concern among supporters and political factions nationwide.

On Friday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the public to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, noting that medical professionals have expressed grave concern regarding her health. This hospitalization occurs at a crucial juncture for Bangladesh, with general elections slated for February 2026. The BNP, historically led by Khaleda Zia, is viewed as a strong contender in the forthcoming elections.

Khaleda Zia, who is also the widow of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, has served as Prime Minister two times, first from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is one of the two key female leaders in Bangladesh, alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with their respective tenures and rivalry significantly influencing the nation’s political narrative over the years.

After the removal of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the installation of Muhammad Yunus as interim government head, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh in May 2025 after undergoing medical treatment in London. Before her return, she spent several months in London with her son and BNP leader Tarique Rahman. Since 2019, she had been under house arrest in Bangladesh, but following the government change, she was acquitted of all charges. Zia had previously been convicted of corruption and sentenced to a 17-year jail term in 2018 during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Since her arrival in Dhaka, Khaleda Zia has been seen publicly, including a recent meeting with interim chief Muhammad Yunus during Armed Forces Day. Her hospitalization, occurring merely months before the general elections, raises concerns about the party’s electoral strategy, as she was expected to contest in three constituencies. Her son, Tarique Rahman, continues to oversee party affairs from exile in London, although his return has been postponed ahead of the elections.

Political experts argue that with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League diminished, the BNP is poised favorably as the 2026 polls approach. Nonetheless, emerging political groups like the Nationalist Students Party (NCP) are starting to challenge the BNP in local arenas, indicating a potentially competitive electoral landscape.

The BNP leadership has called on supporters for unity and prayers, emphasizing Khaleda Zia’s health as pivotal for both the party’s future and the political stability of Bangladesh. Her condition is a critical focus as the nation gears up for what could be a defining election year.