Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Hospitalized in Dhaka for Health Check-up

Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday night, November 23, 2025. Her admission, occurring around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, was for a series of health check-ups and medical examinations, as confirmed by her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain.

Reason for Hospitalization

According to Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, the decision to admit the 79-year-old leader was made on the recommendation of a medical board formed for her treatment. Reports from her medical team, including Professor Dr. F M Siddiqui, indicated that she developed infections in her chest, which affected both her heart and lungs, leading to respiratory distress. She has been placed on antibiotics following initial test results.

Ongoing Health Concerns

Khaleda Zia has been grappling with a range of chronic health complications for several years. These include:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Kidney ailments
• Lung conditions
• Eye problems
• Liver cirrhosis
• Heart issues, including a permanent pacemaker and previous stenting

She was last admitted to Evercare Hospital on October 15, 2025, for routine health examinations and was discharged the following day after completing necessary tests.

Current Status and Political Context

Currently, Khaleda Zia is in a private cabin at Evercare Hospital, undergoing various tests and is under close and intensive observation. The medical board will review the test reports before making further decisions regarding her treatment and the duration of her hospital stay.

A prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics, Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister three times, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was released from house arrest in August 2024 on humanitarian grounds, following a period of detention related to corruption cases. She is expected to contest the 2026 Bangladeshi general election.