Key Points
- Doctors report kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, severe infection, gastrointestinal bleeding
- She was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina’s government
- Despite health challenges, Zia’s BNP remains a major contender for the February 2026 elections
DHAKA: The health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has deteriorated critically, prompting her doctors to place her on a ventilator due to severe medical complications.
According to the medical board overseeing her care at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, her kidneys have completely failed, necessitating regular dialysis, while several other conditions are worsening rapidly.
Professor Dr. Shahabuddin, a board member, said Khaleda Zia, 80, is experiencing acute breathing difficulties, low blood oxygen levels, and rising carbon dioxide levels.
She had been receiving high-flow nasal cannula and BiPAP support, but ongoing instability led doctors to move her to an elective ventilator to allow her lungs and other vital organs to rest. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis on November 27, a condition that continues to require intensive care.
Doctors are administering strong antibiotics and antifungal medications to combat a severe infection. Gastrointestinal bleeding and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) have also necessitated continuous blood transfusions.
An echocardiogram revealed complications in her aortic valve, confirmed by a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) test, which identified an infection. Treatment has been initiated following international protocols, with guidance from both local and foreign medical specialists.
The medical board has urged the public not to spread rumors about Khaleda Zia’s health, emphasising the critical nature of her condition. A joint team of national and international doctors is reviewing her treatment plan daily to provide intensive care.
Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in elections set for February 2026 — the first vote since a mass uprising toppled her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina last year.
Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party is widely seen as a frontrunner in next year’s elections.
She was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina’s government, which also blocked her from travelling abroad for medical treatment.
Former PM was released last year, shortly after Hasina was removed from power after around 15 years of autocratic style government.
Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, 60, has lived in London since 2008, saying he fled politically-motivated persecution.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for prayers for Zia, who he called a “source of utmost inspiration for the nation”.
