The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday owed a debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Modi following his concern and good wishes to former Bangladesh
PM Khaleda Zia, who remains in a critical condition.
Reportedly, 80-year old Zia, a long-time rival of Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader Sheikh Hasina, has been placed on ventilation as her health deteriorates.
BNP in a post on X wrote: “BNP feels grateful to Prime Minister Modi for his thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
A day earlier, PM Modi had publicly expressed concern over the former leader’s condition. In his message on X, he wrote: “Deeply concerned to learn on Begum Khaleda Zia’s health. She has contributed to Bangladesh’s public life for many years and added, ” sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. “India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way we can.”
Zia was admitted to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection and is being treated in the Coronary Care Unit under the supervision of a team of local and foreign specialists. According to BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, her condition is “very critical.” Bangladesh’s interim government has also shown concern. Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus sent adviser Asif Nazrul to Evercare Hospital on Friday night to assess her condition.
Khaleda Zia has long suffered from multiple ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. She travelled to London on January 8 for advanced medical care and underwent 17 days of treatment at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at her son Tarique Rahman’s residence under the supervision of specialist doctors Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross. She returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after completing her treatment in the UK.
Begum Khaleda Zia, a dominant figure in Bangladesh’s politics, served as the country’s first woman Prime Minister, holding office from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is the widow of former President and army commander Ziaur Rahman.
News Edit KV Raman
