Khaleda Zia’s Critical Health: PM Modi Exprsses Concern, Assures India’s ‘Full Support’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced concern over the worsening health of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia and said India is prepared to assist. Modi noted Zia's long role in public life and offered prayers for a quick recovery, hours after Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders said Zia had been placed on ventilation.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, "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." The message highlighted New Delhi's willingness to help during the medical crisis.

Khaleda Zia health: current medical condition and hospital care

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders have described Khaleda Zia's health as very fragile, saying the three-time prime minister is on ventilation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. A local news portal quoted BNP Vice-chairman Advocate Ahmed Aazam Khan stating, "She is in a very critical condition. There is nothing more to do except seek prayers from the whole nation," as supporters waited outside the facility.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also addressed reporters about Khaleda Zia's condition, confirming continued treatment under a large team of specialists. Alamgir said, "She is extremely unwell. The entire nation is praying for her recovery... She is seriously ill, and our doctors are making every possible effort. Local and foreign specialists are involved in her treatment. They are trying their best," according to tbsnews.net.

Khaleda Zia health: details of illnesses and recent treatment history

Khaleda Zia, aged 80 and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was admitted to a private hospital on 23 November with a chest infection that affected the heart and lungs. Four days later, doctors shifted Zia to the coronary care unit because several complications worsened. Zia has also been battling liver disease, kidney problems, diabetes, arthritis and eye-related issues for an extended period.

Earlier in the year, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh from London after spending four months there for advanced medical treatment. During that stay, doctors abroad handled many of Zia's chronic conditions. Back in Dhaka, local physicians and visiting international experts have since coordinated care as her health fluctuated, leading to the current critical situation.

Khaleda Zia health: family situation and political implications

Khaleda Zia's health scare comes amid a difficult phase for the family. Her elder son, Tarique Rahman, is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and has lived in London since 2008. Zia's younger son, Arafat Rahman, died of cardiac arrest earlier this year, adding personal grief to the political tension around the family.

On 1 December, Tarique Rahman suggested that returning to Bangladesh while Khaleda Zia remained critically ill was not straightforward. In a Facebook post, Tarique wrote that his return to the country was "not entirely" in his control, prompting speculation over possible legal or political barriers. The comment added another layer of uncertainty as party workers watched Zia's health closely.