The veteran politician and standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Begum Selima Rahman, has been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of United Hospital in Dhaka following a serious cardiac episode. The former minister is currently under the close supervision of a specialist medical team as her condition remains critical.
Emergency Admission and Diagnosis
According to family and party sources, the 81-year-old leader suffered a sudden heart attack at approximately 10:00 PM on Thursday, 19 February 2026. She was immediately rushed to the emergency department of United Hospital in the capital. Following a series of diagnostic tests and preliminary evaluations, cardiologists recommended her immediate transfer to the CCU for intensive monitoring.
Her illness was formally confirmed to the media on Sunday, 22 February, as she continues to undergo treatment for heart-related complications. Medical bulletins suggest that while she is receiving the highest level of care, the next 48 to 72 hours will be crucial in determining her recovery trajectory.
A Distinguished Political Career
Begum Selima Rahman is a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, known for her steadfast loyalty to the BNP and her advocacy for democratic rights. Over her multi-decade career, she has held several high-profile positions, including serving as a Minister of State for Cultural Affairs.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Begum Selima Rahman |
| Political Affiliation | Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) |
| Current Designation | Member, National Standing Committee |
| Hospital | United Hospital, Gulshan, Dhaka |
| Unit | Coronary Care Unit (CCU) |
| Initial Episode | 19 February 2026, 10:00 PM |
Tributes and Prayers
The news of her hospitalisation has prompted a wave of concern across the political spectrum. Senior BNP leaders, including the party’s high command, have visited the hospital or sent messages of support to her family. On behalf of the party and her relatives, a formal request has been made to the citizens of the country to pray for her swift and complete recovery.
Selima Rahman’s role within the BNP’s Standing Committee—the party’s highest decision-making body—has been pivotal during recent periods of political transition. Her absence from the political front lines at this juncture is seen as a significant blow to the party’s senior leadership.