Khaleda Zia in 'Very Critical' Condition Following Hospitalization for Lung Infection

Former Prime Minister Hospitalized with Critical Ailments

Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is currently in a 'very critical' condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was admitted on November 23, 2025, with symptoms of a severe lung infection, which has since reportedly developed into pneumonia.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed reporters late on Friday that 'doctors have told us that her condition is very critical'. Her personal physician, Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossein, stated on Saturday that her condition has remained stable for the past three days and she is 'responding to the treatment', though she is not yet fit for travel abroad.

Extensive Health Complications

Ms. Zia is suffering from a range of serious health issues beyond the lung infection. According to reports, these include:

• Heart problems, for which she has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting.
• Liver and kidney issues.
• Diabetes.
• Arthritis.
• Eye-related illnesses.

The medical board overseeing her treatment, which includes local and foreign specialists, is providing care in the hospital's Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Doctors are considering advanced treatment abroad, possibly in Singapore or London, if her condition stabilizes, with an air ambulance reportedly on standby.

Political Figures Express Concern

The interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep concern over Ms. Zia's health, urging the nation to pray for her recovery. He emphasized that '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,' and assured that the government would provide all necessary treatment support.

Her eldest son and BNP acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who has resided in London since 2008, also called for prayers for his mother. Rahman stated that his return to Bangladesh is 'not entirely' in his control, despite the interim government clarifying there are 'no restrictions or objections' to his return.

Impact on Bangladesh's Political Landscape

Ms. Zia's deteriorating health comes at a sensitive time for the BNP, which has seen a resurgence in prominence following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. Despite her ongoing health struggles, Ms. Zia has previously vowed to campaign in elections anticipated in February 2026, where the BNP is widely considered a frontrunner.