BNP Appeals for Prayers as Khaleda Zia's Health Deteriorates

Dhaka: Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been placed in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where her health is being characterized as “very critical.” The 80-year-old political figure was taken to the hospital on Sunday night due to severe infections affecting her heart and lungs, prompting widespread concern among both supporters and political observers nationwide.

On Friday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the public to pray for Khaleda Zia’s swift recovery, highlighting that medical professionals have indicated the serious nature of her condition. Her hospitalization occurs during a crucial period for Bangladesh as general elections are set for February 2026, with the BNP historically regarded as a strong competitor in the anticipated polls.

Khaleda Zia, who is the widow of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, has held the position of Bangladesh's Prime Minister on two occasions: from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She remains one of the two leading female political figures in Bangladesh, alongside Sheikh Hasina, with their longstanding rivalry significantly influencing the country’s political scene.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and the appointment of Muhammad Yunus as interim administration chief in August 2024, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh in May 2025 after receiving medical treatment in London. Prior to her return, she had been in London with her son, Tarique Rahman, a BNP leader. Zia had been under house arrest since 2019 but was cleared of charges following a governmental shift. In 2018, she received a 17-year sentence for corruption during Hasina's administration.

Since her return to Dhaka, Khaleda Zia has made public appearances, including meetings with interim chief Muhammad Yunus during Armed Forces Day. Her hospitalization so close to the general elections raises concerns about the BNP’s campaign strategies, as she was planning to run in three constituencies. Meanwhile, her son Tarique Rahman manages the party from abroad, but his anticipated return for the election remains uncertain.

Political analysts suggest that the BNP is well-positioned for the upcoming polls, especially with the Awami League sidelined. However, new political entities like the Nationalist Students Party (NCP) are beginning to introduce competition for the BNP in local elections, indicating a highly contested electoral landscape ahead.

The BNP's leadership has called for both unity and prayers from its supporters, underlining the significance of Khaleda Zia’s health for both the party's future and the broader political stability of Bangladesh. Her current condition is a major focus as the nation stands on the threshold of what could be a transformative election year.