Dhaka, December 2 (Udaipur Kiran) | Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia is in a critical condition and has been placed on life support at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The 80-year-old leader has been declared a VVIP with immediate effect by the country’s interim government in view of the seriousness of her health condition. She has been provided Special Security Force (SSF) protection. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has expressed concern over her health and wished for her speedy recovery. Meanwhile, indications have emerged that her son, Tarique Rahman, who is currently in London, is preparing to return to Bangladesh.
According to a report by news portal BSS, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would be returning to the country soon. He shared this information with the media after a meeting held at Khaleda Zia’s office in Gulshan late at night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s health in a message posted on his X handle. He wrote, “I am deeply concerned to learn about Begum Khaleda Zia’s health. Our sincere prayers and best wishes are with her for a speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.” His message came at a time when Khaleda Zia is undergoing advanced medical treatment.
According to reports, the interim government issued a notification late at night. The order was signed by Director General (Administration) Mohammad Abdul Wadood Chowdhury at the Office of the Chief Adviser following the President’s directive. As per the notification, Khaleda Zia has been declared a VVIP under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, with immediate effect. With this decision, the way has been cleared for providing SSF protection to her. This status is usually accorded to the Head of the State and the Head of the Government.
As reported by Prothom Alo, BNP vice-president Ahmad Azam Khan said that Khaleda Zia’s condition has become extremely critical and there has been no improvement since Sunday night. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital at 1:45 pm on Monday, he said that her condition is such that nothing more can be said at this stage. “We have nothing to ask for except prayers,” he added.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.