Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Hospitalized Amid Health Concerns

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to a private hospital in the early hours of Thursday, according to a media report. The Dhaka Tribune newspaper quoted BNP media cell member Sairul Kabir Khan as saying that the 79-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) president arrived at Evercare Hospital from her residence at around 1:40 pm.

Her doctor Professor AZM Zahid Hussain said that the medical board has recommended several tests and she has been kept in a private cabin after being admitted to the hospital. He said, "Further treatment will be done after reviewing the test results." On August 21, Zia returned home after 45 days of treatment at the same hospital.

The former prime minister was under house arrest for the last five years. She was released on August 6 by order of Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin. She was acquitted of all charges against her after the Awami League government led by her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina fell on August 5.

The BNP chief has been suffering from several ailments for a long time, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes and problems related to kidneys, lungs, heart and eyes. A pacemaker was installed in her chest on June 23 by a team of specialist doctors. Her doctors have been advising her to be sent abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021.

Earlier this month, Zia was acquitted in five separate cases, including one of 'fake birthday' charges and another of supporting war criminals. Zia was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from March 1991 to March 1996 and then from June 2001 to October 2006.