Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia has been admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, with party leaders describing her condition as “very critical.” The 80-year-old political leader was hospitalised on Sunday night after developing serious infections in her heart and lungs, raising concerns among supporters and political circles across the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged citizens to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, confirming that doctors had warned of the seriousness of her health. The hospitalisation comes at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, with general elections scheduled for February 2026. The BNP, long led by Khaleda Zia, is widely considered a frontrunner in the upcoming polls.

Khaleda Zia, widow of former Bangladesh President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, has served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister twice, first from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is one of the two prominent political “begums” in Bangladesh, alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose tenure and rivalry with Zia have shaped the nation’s political landscape for decades.

Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Muhammad Yunus as the interim administration chief in August 2024, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh in May 2025 after a period of medical care in London. Prior to her return, Zia had spent several months in London with her son and BNP leader Tarique Rahman. She had been under house arrest in Bangladesh since 2019 but was acquitted of all charges following the change in government. During Sheikh Hasina’s administration, Khaleda Zia was convicted of corruption and sentenced to a 17-year jail term in 2018.

Since returning to Dhaka, Khaleda Zia has made public appearances, including a meeting with interim administration chief Muhammad Yunus during Armed Forces Day events. Her hospitalisation, just months before the general election, raises questions about the party’s campaign strategy, as she was expected to contest from three constituencies. Her son Tarique Rahman, who has been operating from exile in London, continues to manage the party’s affairs, but his return ahead of elections has been delayed.

Political analysts note that with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League sidelined, the BNP is in a strong position ahead of the 2026 polls. However, new political formations such as the Nationalist Students Party (NCP) have begun challenging the BNP in local political battles, signalling a competitive election environment.

The BNP leadership has called for unity and prayers from supporters, stressing the importance of Khaleda Zia’s health for the party’s future and Bangladesh’s political stability. Her condition remains a key focus as the nation prepares for what could be a pivotal election year.

#Global News