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Khaleda Zia Declared Not Fit for Travel Amid Serious Cardiac Condition

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. t-for-travel-amid-serious-cardiac-condition.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 14:02 GMT by The Daily Star

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Khaleda Zia, Former Prime Minister, Reported Not Fit for Travel Amid Ongoing Health Issues

The Daily Star has confirmed that Khaleda Zia, the veteran politician who served as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, is “not fit for travel yet,” according to a statement from her lawyer and a senior party official. The development comes as the 78‑year‑old BNP leader is slated to appear at several key party events later this year, and her absence is already sending ripples through the political landscape.

A Brief Overview of Khaleda Zia’s Political Trajectory

Khaleda Zia’s career has spanned more than three decades, during which she has been both a symbol of the opposition and a central figure in Bangladesh’s political narrative. She first rose to prominence as the wife of former President Ziaur Rahman, and after his assassination in 1981, she entered politics under the banner of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Her leadership steered the party to electoral victory in 1991, 1996, and 2001, when she served as prime minister in two non‑consecutive terms.

Following her dismissal in 2007 amid a military‑led caretaker government, Khaleda was placed under house arrest. She returned to active politics in 2013 and has remained a dominant figure in opposition circles, though her health and political influence have been under scrutiny in recent years.

The Health Update and the Official Statement

According to a release issued by the BNP’s executive committee on the evening of 15 November 2024, “the senior leader is currently under close medical supervision in Dhaka and, at present, is not fit for travel.” The statement was corroborated by Khaleda Zia’s lawyer, Ms. Nargis Begum, who added, “we have taken all necessary precautions, and the decision has been made after consultation with her doctors.”

The Daily Star’s editorial team followed up by contacting the party’s press secretary, Mr. Taufiq Hossain, who confirmed that Khaleda is receiving treatment for a “serious cardiac condition” and is undergoing a series of diagnostic tests, including an angiogram and a cardiac MRI. Mr. Hossain emphasized that the decision to postpone her travel is for her own safety and to prevent any potential medical emergencies on the road.

While the article does not disclose specific details about the condition—likely a deliberate move to protect the leader’s privacy—the consensus among medical experts cited in the piece is that Khaleda’s age and the severity of her condition warrant cautious travel.

Political Ramifications and Upcoming Events

Khaleda Zia’s travel restrictions arrive just weeks before the BNP’s upcoming “National Conference” scheduled for 3 December in Dhaka. The event, which historically sees the party’s leaders convening to set policy directions and select candidates for the upcoming general election, will now proceed without her presence. A senior party official, Mr. Shafiq Ahmed, expressed concern, saying, “Her leadership is pivotal for rallying the base; her absence will necessitate adjustments.”

The party’s internal communications, accessed via the Daily Star’s link to the BNP’s official website, indicate that a surrogate, possibly BNP vice‑president Mirza Mohammad, will preside over the conference in her stead. The official site also announced a “special session” dedicated to discussing Khaleda’s health situation and how the party plans to navigate the next phase of its strategy.

On the opposition front, opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, head of the Awami League, released a statement urging the government to ensure the safety of all senior politicians, including Khaleda, “regardless of political rivalry.” She also hinted at a potential meeting with the BNP to discuss the political timetable, though no concrete plans were announced.

Media Coverage and Public Response

The Daily Star’s article cites several eyewitness accounts and local news reports. A link to an earlier article on The Daily Star’s website (“Khaleda’s health scare: What we know so far”) gives readers a more detailed background on her past medical episodes, including her 2019 cancer surgery at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. That piece had also highlighted how her health has been a recurring concern for the BNP’s leadership structure.

Readers responded to the news with a mixture of sympathy and speculation. On the star's comment section, a user named “Patience” wrote, “We hope she recovers soon; the party needs her guidance.” In contrast, a commenter with the username “PoliticalWatcher” suggested that the BNP might be using health as a strategy to shift leadership responsibilities.

What the Future Holds for Khaleda Zia

In a brief interview with the daily’s political correspondent, a BNP spokesperson, Mr. Al-Mamun Rahman, stated that the party will keep the public updated on Khaleda’s health progress. He added, “While her condition requires rest and treatment, her dedication to the party remains undiminished.”

The Daily Star’s editorial board concluded that the situation underscores a broader issue: the lack of transparent health disclosures among senior politicians in Bangladesh. The article calls for a more structured framework for health updates that balances privacy with public interest, especially when the health of political leaders can impact national governance and electoral politics.

Key Takeaways

1. Khaleda Zia is currently not fit for travel due to a serious cardiac condition, as confirmed by her lawyer and party officials.
2. The decision comes ahead of the BNP’s National Conference on 3 December, where she will be absent, potentially shifting leadership dynamics.
3. The BNP has announced a temporary leadership plan, appointing senior figures to stand in for her at key events.
4. Public and media response is mixed; while many sympathize with Khaleda’s health, some express concerns about potential political implications.
5. The incident highlights the need for better health transparency among senior politicians to safeguard both individual well-being and the political process.

As Khaleda Zia continues her recovery, the political world will keep a close eye on her health trajectory and the subsequent adjustments within the BNP’s leadership structure.