The political landscape of Bangladesh is witnessing a dramatic confluence of a severe health crisis and a major political homecoming. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is battling for her life in a Dhaka hospital. Simultaneously, her son, Tarique Rahman, the BNP's acting chairman, has returned to the country after more than 17 years in self-exile, swiftly moving to re-enter the political fray ahead of crucial national polls.
A Dire Health Situation for the Former Leader
Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital since November 23 for a range of serious health complications. Her condition took a severe turn on December 11, when doctors were compelled to place her on ventilator support to aid her lungs and other vital organs. Her personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid, delivered a somber update following a late-night briefing, stating her condition remains "extremely critical" with no signs of improvement.
"She is passing through an extremely critical phase," Dr. Zahid told reporters, as per PTI reports. He urged the nation to pray for her recovery, adding, "If, by Allah’s mercy, she can get through this critical period, we may hear something positive." A team of local and international doctors, assisted by Zia's daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is overseeing her care. While the BNP has expressed a desire to fly her abroad for advanced treatment, her current health status makes air travel impossible.
Tarique Rahman's High-Stakes Return to Politics
This health emergency unfolds against the backdrop of a significant political shift. Tarique Rahman, 60, landed in Dhaka on December 25, ending a 17-year absence that began in 2008 following his arrest during an army-backed caretaker government. He has since led the BNP remotely from London after being appointed its acting chairman in 2018—the same year his mother was imprisoned on corruption charges.
Rahman's return has been marked by swift political action. Under tight security, he visited the Election Commission office and completed the formalities for voter registration and obtaining a National Identity Card (NID) by providing his biometric data. Officials indicated he would receive his NID within 24 hours. His daughter, Zaima, also completed her registration. Rahman is expected to contest the upcoming February 12 general election from the Bogura-6 constituency.
Converging Crises and Political Futures
The dual developments have plunged Bangladesh into a period of intense uncertainty. On one hand, the nation watches anxiously for news about the health of a towering political figure. On the other, the return of her son, a polarizing yet central figure in the BNP, injects a new dynamic into the pre-election environment.
After spending over two hours at the hospital where his mother is admitted, Rahman took to social media platform X to thank supporters for their "overwhelming welcome." He outlined his vision to help build a "united, inclusive, and secure Bangladesh," a plan he said is meant for all citizens. His re-entry into direct politics, juxtaposed with his mother's critical condition, sets the stage for a complex and emotionally charged electoral season, with the BNP seeking to rally its base amid profound personal and political challenges for its first family.
