Khaleda Zia on life support, declared VVIP; Something big about to happen in Bangladesh? Her son yet to return from London

New Delhi: The chiefs of Bangladesh’s three armed forces visited former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the hospital on Tuesday night, December 2. Khaleda Zia is currently critically ill and receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The military’s media wing provided this information, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), on Wednesday, 03 December 2025.

ISPR issues statement

The ISPR said in a brief statement that Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan arrived at the hospital on Tuesday night. According to the news portal bdnews24.com, their vehicles were seen entering the hospital’s main gate around 9 p.m. The three chiefs stayed in the hospital for about 20 minutes and left around 9:20 pm.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief also reached the hospital

The state news agency BSS, quoting BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, reported that the service chiefs spoke with Khaleda Zia’s family and her medical team and prayed for her speedy recovery. Late Tuesday night, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Shafiqur Rahman also visited the hospital and inquired about the ailing BNP chief.

80-year-old Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23 with a serious heart and lung infection. Four days after her admission, she developed complications and was shifted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). According to BNP Vice President Ahmed Azam Khan, her condition worsened on Sunday, 30 November night, and she was put on ventilation support.

Tightened security, declared a “very, very important person”

Amid her deteriorating condition, the interim government on Monday declared her a very, very important person (VVIP), allowing the deployment of the Special Security Force (SSF). Khaleda Zia is staying in a special cabin on the fourth floor, with all surrounding cabins evacuated for security reasons.

A team of medical experts from Britain will arrive to treat Khaleda Zia

In light of Khaleda Zia’s critical health condition, a team of specialized doctors from Britain will arrive in Bangladesh to evaluate her ongoing treatment. Her personal physician made this announcement on Tuesday. AZM Zahid Hussain told reporters outside Evercare Hospital that British experts will be part of the international medical board monitoring Zia’s treatment.

He added that India(BHARAT), China, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have also provided medical assistance. Hussain said that a medical board of doctors from Britain, the United States, and Bangladesh is monitoring Zia’s health.

Suspense over her son’s return

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters late Monday that Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting president and Khaleda Zia’s son, will return to Bangladesh soon. The meeting discussed the current political situation and strategies for the upcoming election campaign. Tarique Rahman has been living in self-exile in London since 2008. BNP leaders say he does not want to use the one-time travel pass granted by the interim government and is awaiting a new Bangladeshi passport.