URGENT UPDATE: Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia is in “very critical” condition at a hospital in Dhaka, according to her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Zia, aged 80, was admitted on November 23 due to a severe chest infection impacting her heart and lungs. The situation is dire as her family and party officials express deep concern for her health.
As Zia fights for her life, her exiled son and acting party chief, Tarique Rahman, has raised questions about his potential return to Bangladesh. He posted on Facebook that his return is “not entirely” in his control, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the BNP’s leadership amid this critical time.
The BNP has seen a resurgence in popularity following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina last year during a student-led uprising. This political shift has positioned the BNP as a frontrunner in the country’s evolving political landscape. Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, faces possible political and legal challenges upon his return.
However, authorities are signaling a willingness to facilitate his return. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has stated there are “no restrictions or objections” to Rahman’s return. Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, confirmed that the government would issue a travel pass within a day if Rahman decides to come back to Bangladesh.
Since the overthrow of Hasina in August 2022, Rahman has been acquitted of all previous legal charges against him, removing significant barriers to his return. The BNP has been on the rise since August and is preparing to re-enter Bangladesh’s political fray, which adds to the urgency of the current situation.
The health of Khaleda Zia is not only a personal tragedy but also a pivotal moment for the BNP as it navigates this turbulent political landscape. The next steps for the party and Rahman could significantly impact Bangladesh’s future.
As developments unfold, the nation watches closely. Political analysts are keen to see how the BNP will respond to Zia’s health crisis and Rahman’s potential return, which could alter the dynamics of Bangladesh’s political arena once again. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
