BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has appealed to the people of Bangladesh to pray for her speedy recovery as she remains under close medical observation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and a BNP Standing Committee member, confirmed on Monday evening that the former prime minister is receiving treatment for heart and lung complications.

“The Chairperson has sought prayers from the nation so that the Almighty grants her a swift recovery,” Dr Zahid Hossain said.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday evening after leaving her Gulshan residence, Firoza, around 7:30pm. 

Later that night, Professor Dr FM Siddiqui, a member of the medical board overseeing her care, briefed the media, stating that she had developed a chest infection affecting her heart and lungs. “She will remain under the medical board’s supervision for the next 12 hours,” he added.

Dr Zahid Hossain noted that it is too early to determine the length of her hospital stay, saying it would depend on her physical condition.

The BNP chief was last seen in public on Friday (21 November), attending an event at Senakunja marking Armed Forces Day. Her press wing confirmed she participated following medical advice.

Khaleda Zia has faced multiple long-term health issues over the years, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney complications, lung problems, and eye ailments. She travelled to London on 7 January for advanced treatment and remained there for 117 days before returning to Dhaka on 6 May. Since then, she has been undergoing regular check-ups at Evercare Hospital.