Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's health has improved. The BNP has announced that she will contest the election from the Feni seat. Preparations are now underway for her political comeback.
Bangladesh Election: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia had been battling serious illnesses for a long time. Now, news of her improved health has emerged, and the BNP claims that she will be a candidate from the Feni constituency in the upcoming general election. Her son, Tarique Rahman, has also commented on the election prospects.
New Information Regarding Health Emerges
New information has come to light regarding the health of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who has been a long-time influential figure in Bangladesh's politics. BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) senior leader Abdul Awal Mintoo stated on Wednesday that her health has improved significantly. She is now in a condition to contest elections.
Khaleda Zia, who has been battling serious ailments like liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis for several years, may now return to active politics. She is 79 years old and has been away from political activities for a long time due to health reasons.
Khaleda Zia Preparing to Contest Elections
BNP leader Mintoo said that discussions regarding the election have taken place within the party, and Khaleda Zia will be nominated as a candidate from the Feni constituency. He also stated that Khaleda's condition is now stable, and she is ready to participate in the election campaign.
According to a report in The Daily Star, Mintoo made this statement while speaking to reporters after an administrative meeting. He indicated that elections could be held in the first week of February 2025. However, the final decision will depend on the country's circumstances and court decisions.
Tarique Rahman Also Expressed Hope
Khaleda Zia's son and BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is currently in London, has also said that if the political situation is favorable and the court allows the caretaker government, elections could be held even before February. He says that the case regarding the caretaker government is pending in the Supreme Court. If permission is granted by the court, general elections can be held within 90 days.
What Diseases Did Khaleda Have?
In January 2024, when her health deteriorated severely, she was sent to London for better treatment. She received treatment there for four months and returned to Dhaka in May 2024. Her health condition has been fragile for many years.
Along with liver cirrhosis, she also has several complex problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Due to all these ailments, her public appearances have been limited.
Imprisoned in 2018
Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in Dhaka Central Jail in February 2018 after being found guilty in a corruption case. This case was related to the Zia Orphanage Trust scam. Subsequently, during the Covid pandemic, on March 25, 2020, the Sheikh Hasina government temporarily released her under an executive order. The conditions of this release were that she would not go abroad and would remain at home.
On August 6, 2024, after the Sheikh Hasina government stepped down from power, she was fully released by order of President Mohammad Shahabuddin. This release paved the way for Khaleda Zia's return to politics.
