BNP Leader Khaleda Zia Hospitalized in Dhaka as Health Deteriorates

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, was admitted to the hospital early Thursday. Zia, 79, has been battling several health issues, including liver cirrhosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2021, as well as arthritis, diabetes, and complications related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes.

She was taken to Evercare Hospital from her residence in Gulshan around 1:40 am, according to BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Her physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, stated, “Based on the medical board’s recommendation, Madam Khaleda was brought to Evercare Hospital at night. Several tests have been advised, and the next steps in her treatment will be decided after reviewing the results.”

Zia, a key opposition figure during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule, was released from prison in August after her political rival fled the country. She was acquitted in five cases, including one involving allegations of celebrating a “fake birthday” and another for supporting war criminals.

In 2021, Zia was advised to seek treatment abroad, but the Hasina government did not permit her to leave the country, as reported by Prothom Alo. Zia previously served as Bangladesh’s prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006.