Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, have sent two bouquets of flowers to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, wishing her a speedy recovery. An official from the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka delivered the bouquets to the Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan at 6:00 pm on Thursday (27 November). The floral tributes were formally received by ABM Abdus Sattar, the personal secretary to the BNP Chairperson. The matter was confirmed to the media by Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Media Cell.
The 80-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from a complex array of health issues for a long period, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney complications. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at approximately 8:00 pm on 23 November following a deterioration in her physical condition. Currently, she is receiving intensive treatment at the Critical Care Unit (CCU) under the close supervision of a specialised medical board. Doctors have reported that her condition is critical due to acute pneumonia and multifaceted complications, making the treatment process highly delicate and high-risk.
Following the delivery of the flowers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent a formal letter on 29 November expressing his deep concern over her illness. In the letter, he extended his sincerest prayers on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan for her full and swift recovery. He acknowledged her “immense contribution” to the development of Bangladesh and valued her role in strengthening the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Previously, the visiting Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, and the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh also sent floral gifts and well-wishes for the BNP chief. The party has organised special prayer sessions nationwide following Jummah prayers to seek divine blessings for her health.
GLIVE/TSN