The health of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has shown minor improvement, according to hospital and party sources. On Sunday, she was able to move slightly in her hospital bed and engage in brief exchanges, signalling a small recovery. Nevertheless, her condition remains delicate, and she is far from being out of danger.
Doctors and senior BNP officials have confirmed that Ms Zia’s treatment is being closely supervised by a team of national and international experts. While her family has discussed the possibility of advanced treatment abroad, no formal decision has been made. Medical professionals caution that a long-haul flight could be dangerous, given her fragile condition and the potential stress of travel. For now, stabilising her health within Bangladesh is the priority.
Ms Zia has undergone dialysis, but she is still unable to eat regular meals. Her hospitalisation for over a week stems from complex health issues, including liver failure, reduced kidney function, and breathing difficulties. Following a deterioration in her condition, she was transferred to a High Dependency Unit (HDU) to ensure intensive monitoring.
Medical teams emphasise the delicate balance required in her care, managing kidney complications, fluid retention, and respiratory distress simultaneously. A BNP leader on the medical board, A Z M Zahid Hossain, stated that while she is responding to treatment, she is not yet ready for air travel for overseas treatment.
The family, led by acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman, remains focused on exploring options for advanced care abroad. Party leaders are maintaining close contact with the hospital, and supporters have been asked not to gather outside to avoid additional strain.
The news of her illness has prompted the BNP to suspend its highly anticipated ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ originally planned from 1 December. Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the postponement at an emergency press briefing in Dhaka, citing her critical condition. The nationwide campaign, intended to visit several districts and culminate in Dhaka on 16 December, will now be deferred.
Ms Zia’s hospitalisation on 23 November followed the detection of a lung infection, alongside multiple organ complications. BNP officials have described her condition as “extremely critical,” affirming that she is currently unfit for overseas treatment. Party leaders and supporters have united in prayer for her recovery, underscoring the national concern surrounding the former Prime Minister’s health.
Her situation highlights both the human and political dimensions of health crises, as a party leader navigates personal recovery while her political responsibilities and public expectations remain under the spotlight.