Bangladesh prays as former PM Khaleda Zia battles serious illness

The health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has deteriorated since her hospitalisation, prompting family members and party leaders to ask citizens to pray for her speedy recovery on November 29.

Zia, 80, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after developing symptoms of a lung infection. She is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, according to members of her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Pakistani media reports.

Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir, a senior BNP leader, told reporters late on Friday that “doctors have told us that her condition is very critical.”

Local media reports indicate that Zia suffers from heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung complications, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses. She also has a permanent pacemaker and has previously undergone stenting for her heart.

Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, appealed to the people of Bangladesh on social media on Saturday to pray for his mother’s recovery. “We express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all your prayers and love for the highly respected Begum Khaleda Zia,” Rahman, 60, said.

Rahman explained that 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 moments of crisis. However, the decision to return home is neither straightforward nor mine alone to make,” he added.

Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, was jailed for corruption in 2018 during Sheikh Hasina’s government, which also barred her from traveling abroad for medical treatment. She was released last year, shortly after Hasina left office.

Interim BNP leader Muhammad Yunus issued a statement, saying, “During this transitional period to democracy, Khaleda Zia is a source of utmost inspiration for the nation. Her recovery is very important for the country.”

Despite her critical health, Zia has stated her intention to campaign in the upcoming elections expected in February 2026, in which the BNP is widely regarded as a frontrunner.

By Tamilla Hasanova