Amid growing concern within Bangladesh’s political landscape, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a critical but stable condition at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital, where she has been receiving intensive treatment for infections in her heart and lungs.

BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, who visited the hospital on Saturday, said Khaleda’s condition has shown “no notable improvement or deterioration” since her admission on the night of 23 November.

“I went to the fourth floor of the hospital and spoke to her doctors. They said it is still not possible to say when her condition might improve. But they remain hopeful,” he told reporters, adding, “They told me they are trying their best and expect she may improve — now we just have to wait and see.”

Khokon said the medical board continues to monitor her closely and has conducted further tests. Doctors moved her to the operation theatre area for more intensive observation, a move he clarified does not indicate she is undergoing surgery but is meant to ensure essential examinations under stricter monitoring.

He added that the medical board will determine the next steps in her treatment and that no discussion has taken place regarding sending her abroad at this stage.

Khokon said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is “deeply worried” about his mother’s condition and may return to Bangladesh at any time.

Khaleda Zia, who also has pneumonia, is being treated in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) under the supervision of specialist physicians from both home and abroad.

Political Visitors Rush to Hospital

The BNP chief’s critical condition has drawn a steady stream of political figures and party activists to Evercare Hospital.

Three leaders of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) — Senior Joint Member-Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah — visited the hospital around 10:10am to speak with doctors about her health.

They later urged the public to pray for her recovery.

In a Facebook post, Nasiruddin Patwari wrote: “Begum Khaleda Zia’s condition remains critical but stable. Alhamdulillah, she is able to follow the instructions of doctors and nurses. In this difficult moment, we humbly request everyone to pray for her.”

Government Advisers Also Check on BNP Chief

On Friday night (28 November), Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s condition.

The pair spoke with doctors and also met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was at the hospital.

In a Facebook post at around 1am, Asif Nazrul wrote: “I went to Evercare Hospital and just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is not good at all. Please everyone pray for her.”

A Former Prime Minister in a Fragile State

Begum Khaleda Zia, born on 15 August 1945, is one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures. She served as Prime Minister twice — from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006 — becoming the first female prime minister in Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto.

She has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since 1984, following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, who founded the party in 1978.

As the 80-year-old political leader remains in a vulnerable state in hospital, party leaders and supporters fear that “anything may happen at any time”. The atmosphere outside Evercare Hospital has grown increasingly tense, with supporters gathering daily to seek updates and offer prayers.

For now, doctors continue their efforts while BNP leaders, government representatives and well-wishers anxiously wait,  hoping for signs of improvement but preparing for any possibility.