Begum Khaleda Zia (80) is on a ventilator at Evercare Hospital as she battles a serious lung infection along with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis. Doctors have described her condition as “very critical.”
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has extended “sincere gratitude” to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he publicly expressed deep concern and offered medical assistance for the party’s critically ill chairperson and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.
Terming the move a crucial “gesture of goodwill,” the BNP’s positive reception marks a rare moment of bilateral warmth and humanitarian politics across the South Asian neighbours.
PM Modi voiced his concern in a post on X, saying he was “deeply concerned” about Begum Khaleda Zia’s health, noting her long-standing role in Bangladesh’s public life. Importantly, he made it clear that India is prepared to offer “all possible support,” including New Delhi’s willingness to step in with advanced medical assistance for the former Bangladeshi PM.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2025
In its official response, the BNP acknowledged the message, saying it “deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and the expression of readiness to extend support.” This kind of praise for the Indian PM is striking, especially given Dhaka’s usually complicated politics.
BNP expresses its sincere gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi, for his thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
BNP deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and the expression of readiness…
— Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) December 1, 2025
Eighty-year-old Zia is currently on ventilation at Evercare Hospital due to a severe lung infection and chronic ailments including heart disease, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis, with her condition confirmed as “very critical” by the party’s Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Begum Zia, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics and the primary rival of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, served as Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister across two terms (1991–1996 and 2001–2006).
The concern for the former Prime Minister extends beyond India; Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, also acknowledged her deteriorating health by sending an adviser to the hospital to assess her condition.
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