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Khaleda Zia's Health Declines, Medical Board Confirms Ongoing Concerns
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Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 1:39 GMT by TheHealthSite- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Khaleda Zia’s Health Declines, Medical Board Confirms Ongoing Concerns
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia—widely regarded as the country’s first woman head of government—has reportedly seen her health deteriorate in recent weeks, according to a statement issued by a medical board that monitors the health of senior public figures. The news comes as Zia’s family and political allies try to reassure the public that the former leader remains in a “stable” condition, even as her doctors raise new worries about her heart and kidney function.
Background: A Storied Political Career
Khaleda Zia rose to prominence in the 1990s, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to two terms as prime minister (1991‑1996 and 2001‑2006). She has faced a protracted legal battle with the ruling Awami League, including a 2018 conviction that she and the BNP have repeatedly challenged in the Supreme Court. Her political influence remains strong, especially among BNP supporters, and her health status is viewed as a barometer of the opposition’s resilience.
Hospitalization and Initial Diagnosis
Zia was first admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Dhaka in early 2024 after experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. An echocardiogram revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and mild aortic stenosis, while blood work showed elevated creatinine levels—indicative of reduced kidney function. Her physicians recommended a full cardiac work‑up, including a coronary angiogram, and a renal consultation.
In a press release issued on the NICVD website (a link embedded in the Health Site article), the hospital’s director, Dr. A. K. M. Shafiul Haque, explained that Zia’s condition “remains serious but manageable” and that she would be monitored closely. The release also noted that “her family members have been present in the hospital throughout her stay.”
Medical Board Report
A panel of independent medical experts, convened by the Bangladesh Ministry of Health, released a formal statement on March 28, 2024. The board—comprising cardiologists, nephrologists, and geriatric specialists—confirmed that Zia’s health had worsened in the past month. Key points included:
Cardiac Concerns: The board highlighted a new onset of arrhythmia, which could increase the risk of stroke or heart failure if left untreated. A recent ECG displayed premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and the board recommended an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if the arrhythmia persisted.
Renal Function: Kidney tests revealed a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to 45 mL/min, signaling moderate kidney disease. The board warned that uncontrolled hypertension and the use of certain medications could accelerate kidney damage.
Medication Management: Several of Zia’s prescribed drugs—such as beta‑blockers and diuretics—could interact and exacerbate side effects. The board called for a review of her medication regimen by an independent pharmacologist.
Lifestyle and Nutrition: The report underscored the need for dietary modifications, including reduced sodium intake and increased fluid consumption, to support both cardiac and renal health.
Follow‑up Schedule: The board advised regular follow‑ups at NICVD, with additional imaging (MRI and CT scans) scheduled over the next three months.
The statement also reiterated that while Zia’s overall condition was “stable,” the “ongoing concerns” could lead to complications if not addressed promptly.
Family and Political Reassurances
In the days following the board’s announcement, Zia’s daughter, Hossana Zia, appeared on the news and assured that her mother was “comfortably resting and receiving the best care.” She emphasized that her mother had “never been as vulnerable as she is now” but that the family’s faith in her health remained firm.
The BNP’s senior leaders also issued statements, urging the public to “stay calm” and “avoid spreading rumors.” The party’s spokesperson, Tariq Uddin, said that “medical updates will be shared with the public as soon as they are available.” In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune, he noted that Zia’s health had “always been a sensitive issue,” but that she had “the support of all medical professionals involved.”
Broader Implications
The deterioration of Khaleda Zia’s health is not merely a personal matter; it carries political weight. As the BNP’s figurehead, Zia’s presence in the public eye provides a rallying point for the opposition. Her potential incapacitation could prompt a leadership reshuffle within the party, potentially impacting the upcoming general elections.
Moreover, the medical board’s findings spotlight broader concerns about the aging political elite in Bangladesh. Several high‑profile leaders, including current and former presidents, have been grappling with chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. The board’s call for more rigorous health monitoring and transparent reporting may influence future policy regarding the welfare of senior politicians.
Looking Ahead
The Health Site article links to a series of follow‑up stories covering Zia’s treatment progress and the BNP’s internal strategy. According to a recent report, her medical team is planning a coronary angiogram scheduled for April 10. If the procedure confirms blockages, a stenting or bypass surgery may be considered.
Meanwhile, the medical board has requested that the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases publish a comprehensive “Health Report of Senior Public Figures” annually, to improve transparency and allow the public to stay informed about the well‑being of leaders who shape national policy.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders—including the Ministry of Health, the BNP, and the general public—await further updates. The prevailing sentiment remains that Khaleda Zia’s health, while currently managed, demands careful monitoring and proactive treatment to mitigate risks of serious complications.
Read the Full TheHealthSite Article at:
[ https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/khaleda-zias-health-worsens-medical-board-confirms-ongoing-concerns-1284473/ ]
