Sunday, 30 November, 2025
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has highlighted the complexities surrounding his potential return to Bangladesh at what he described as a “critical moment” for his ailing mother, party chief and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Tarique said the decision to return home was not “entirely within his control” and expressed heartfelt gratitude to people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, for their prayers and support for his mother, who remains in critical condition under hospital care.
“Like any child, I feel a deep longing to receive my mother’s affection in such a moment of crisis. But unlike others, I do not have unfettered or exclusive authority to make that decision,” he wrote.
Describing the matter as “sensitive”, he said the family hoped the “long and anxious wait” for his return would end once the political situation allowed. He appealed to the people of Bangladesh to pray for his mother, emphasising her critical condition.
“Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and under intensive care in hospital. People from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, have sincerely continued to pray for her recovery. The honourable Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has joined these prayers and has pledged full support for her treatment,” Tarique said.
The 79-year-old former prime minister has long battled multiple chronic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. She was admitted to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on 23 November after tests revealed a chest infection, where she has been receiving intensive care under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described her condition on Friday as “extremely critical”, noting that doctors were keeping her under close observation.
Tarique said doctors in Bangladesh and abroad were providing care with “the highest level of professionalism and sincerity” and that several friendly countries had offered to assist with advanced medical support if required.
“On behalf of the Zia family, I extend our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their prayers and affection for the widely respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, I earnestly request everyone to continue praying for her swift recovery,” he added.
Comments
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has highlighted the complexities surrounding his potential return to Bangladesh at what he described as a “critical moment” for his ailing mother, party chief and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Tarique said the decision to return home was not “entirely within his control” and expressed heartfelt gratitude to people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, for their prayers and support for his mother, who remains in critical condition under hospital care.
“Like any child, I feel a deep longing to receive my mother’s affection in such a moment of crisis. But unlike others, I do not have unfettered or exclusive authority to make that decision,” he wrote.
Describing the matter as “sensitive”, he said the family hoped the “long and anxious wait” for his return would end once the political situation allowed. He appealed to the people of Bangladesh to pray for his mother, emphasising her critical condition.
“Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and under intensive care in hospital. People from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, have sincerely continued to pray for her recovery. The honourable Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has joined these prayers and has pledged full support for her treatment,” Tarique said.
The 79-year-old former prime minister has long battled multiple chronic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. She was admitted to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on 23 November after tests revealed a chest infection, where she has been receiving intensive care under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described her condition on Friday as “extremely critical”, noting that doctors were keeping her under close observation.
Tarique said doctors in Bangladesh and abroad were providing care with “the highest level of professionalism and sincerity” and that several friendly countries had offered to assist with advanced medical support if required.
“On behalf of the Zia family, I extend our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their prayers and affection for the widely respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, I earnestly request everyone to continue praying for her swift recovery,” he added.
Comments
