The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conveying concern and extending good wishes to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in critical condition. At 80 years old, Zia, a longtime political rival of Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader Sheikh Hasina, has been placed on ventilation as her health continues to deteriorate.
In a post on X, the BNP stated, “BNP expresses its sincere gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, for his thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and the expression of readiness to extend support.”
A day earlier, PM Modi had publicly conveyed his concern for Zia’s health, writing, “Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh’s public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way we can.”
Zia was admitted to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection and is being treated in the Coronary Care Unit under the supervision of both local and foreign specialists. According to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, her condition is “very critical.”
The Bangladesh interim government has also shown concern for Zia. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sent adviser Asif Nazrul to Evercare Hospital on Friday night to assess her condition.
Begum Khaleda Zia has long battled multiple health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. Earlier this year, she traveled to London on January 8 for advanced medical care, undergoing 17 days of treatment at the London Clinic. She continued her recovery at her son Tarique Rahman’s residence, supervised by specialist doctors Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross, before returning to Bangladesh on May 6.
A dominant figure in Bangladesh’s politics, Khaleda Zia served as the country’s first female Prime Minister, holding office from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is also the widow of former President and army commander Ziaur Rahman.
The gesture by PM Modi has been widely appreciated by the BNP, reflecting diplomatic goodwill and solidarity at a time of serious health concerns for one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political leaders.