New Delhi, Dec 01: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is critically ill and undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a message posted on X, Modi said he was “deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh’s public life for many years.”
Modi conveyed India’s “sincere prayers and best wishes” for her speedy recovery and reaffirmed that India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way required. His message comes at a time when Zia, 80, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been placed on ventilator support due to multiple health complications.
The BNP leadership, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, publicly thanked Prime Minister Modi for his concern and termed it a “gesture of goodwill.” In a statement, the party said, “BNP expresses its sincere gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister of India for his thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.”
President of BNP’s foreign affairs committee, Tarique Rahman, also welcomed Modi’s remarks, noting that such support from India carries significant meaning for the party and its supporters during this difficult time.
Begum Khaleda Zia, who served twice as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been a central figure in the country’s politics and a long-time rival of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister and leader of the Awami League. Zia’s deteriorating health has drawn concern across political and diplomatic circles in South Asia.
Observers noted that Modi’s outreach reflects India’s humanitarian approach and its willingness to engage constructively with all political stakeholders in Bangladesh. The gesture has been widely covered in Dhaka and New Delhi as a reaffirmation of India’s regional solidarity.
