Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is reportedly in a critical health condition. Senior BNP leaders have described her as being on her “deathbed,” escalating concerns and calls for urgent medical attention.
Khaleda Zia, aged 79, has been battling multiple health issues over the past few years. Her condition has deteriorated significantly in recent months, prompting BNP leaders and supporters to demand better medical care and her immediate release from legal entanglements that have restricted her movements.
Health Condition and Medical Treatment
Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Her family and party officials have reported that she is currently receiving treatment at the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she has been admitted multiple times in the past year. Despite ongoing treatment, her health shows little sign of improvement, causing grave concern among her supporters and well-wishers.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, a physician closely monitoring her condition, stated, “Madam Zia’s health is in a precarious state. We are doing everything possible to stabilize her condition, but she urgently needs advanced medical care, preferably abroad, which is currently not possible due to legal restrictions.”
Legal and Political Struggles
Khaleda Zia’s legal battles have been a significant part of her recent years. She has been embroiled in various corruption cases, resulting in her imprisonment in 2018. Although she was released on bail in 2020 for health reasons, her movements have been significantly restricted, impacting her ability to seek comprehensive medical treatment abroad.
The BNP has been vocal in criticizing the government for what it perceives as a politically motivated restriction on her treatment. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the government to allow Khaleda Zia to travel abroad for better medical care, emphasizing that her life is at serious risk if she remains in Bangladesh under the current conditions.
Public and Political Reactions
The news of Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health has sparked reactions from various political and civil society groups. Supporters of the BNP have held rallies and prayer sessions, urging the government to prioritize humanitarian considerations over political rivalries.
International organizations and human rights groups have also weighed in, with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch calling for her right to adequate medical care to be respected. They have highlighted concerns over the politicization of her health issues and the need for impartial and humane treatment.
Government’s Stance
The government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has maintained that all legal procedures are being followed and that Khaleda Zia has access to medical care. However, they have remained firm on the stance that any decision regarding her travel abroad for treatment must be made within the framework of the law.
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud reiterated this position, stating, “The government is committed to ensuring that Khaleda Zia receives the medical attention she needs within the legal bounds. Any further decisions will be taken in accordance with judicial processes.”
As Khaleda Zia’s health remains a pressing concern, the political climate in Bangladesh continues to be charged. The situation underscores the deep-seated tensions between the ruling Awami League and the BNP, with Khaleda Zia’s health crisis adding a new dimension to their longstanding rivalry. The coming days will be crucial in determining not only the fate of Khaleda Zia but also the broader political dynamics in Bangladesh.
For now, the nation waits with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian concerns and respects the rights of a significant political figure in Bangladesh’s history.