Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister, now lies in an extremely critical and life-threatening state at the capital’s Evercare Hospital, casting a pall of sorrow across the nation.

Her fragile fight for survival stands in stark contrast to the indomitable resolve she showed over decades in the political arena—years spent weathering upheaval, enduring persecution, and defending the country’s democratic aspirations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the nation to pray for her recovery  saying that the health condition of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is “very critical”.

“You all know that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has fallen ill and been hospitalised. Last night (Thursday), doctors said her health condition is very critical,” he said while talking to journalists after a special prayer programme following Juma prayers at the Nayapaltan Central Jam-e-Mosque.

Khaleda’s struggle in the hospital today feels achingly symbolic: a leader who once stood unwavering against authoritarian pressure now battles for every breath, her life hanging in the balance as a grieving nation watches with hope, fear, and profound sadness.

The gravity of her deteriorating health has sent shockwaves across the country, stirring deep emotion among supporters and prompting urgent appeals for prayers from party leaders. Special prayer sessions were held at mosques across the country after Juma prayers on Friday for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.

BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs.

She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital, under the supervision of both local and foreign specialist doctors.

On behalf of the party, Fakhrul said they requested people across the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery after Juma prayers. “As part of this programme, we offered prayers at the New Paltan Mosque and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant her recovery and good health.”

“We have prayed to Allah to heal her completely so that she can return to the people and continue serving them. Once again, we appeal to the people to pray for her speedy recovery. Please, you all pray for the Madam,” he added.

The BNP leader also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong struggle for democracy, saying, “She has fought for democracy, faced persecution, and endured imprisonment. She is now hospitalised due to illness.”

Earlier in the day, Fakhrul also informed journalists at the opening session of the biennial council of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) about her critical health condition and sought prayers from the public.

For many citizens, Khaleda Zia’s name evokes an era marked by political resilience, uncompromising leadership, and a refusal to yield to authoritarian pressure. Entering national politics at a time of profound uncertainty, she quickly emerged as a symbol of defiance and dignity, championing the cause of political pluralism and giving voice to millions who sought democratic space.

During her tenure in office, she initiated major development programmes that strengthened infrastructure, expanded education, advanced women’s empowerment, and improved rural connectivity—achievements that continue to shape national progress and remain difficult for even her adversaries to overlook.

As she fights for her life, an outpouring of emotion is palpable among her supporters and across the country. Many see her current struggle as tragically symbolic: a leader who dedicated her political career to defending public rights is now engaged in her most personal and profound battle.

Surrounded by prayers and deep concern, her condition serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices she has made and the unwavering courage that defined her long political journey.