The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his message of concern and wishes for the speedy recovery of its critically ill chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who was the first woman to hold the office, remains hospitalised with a severe chest infection.
Modi's Message of Concern and India's Offer of Support
On December 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to express his deep concern over the deteriorating health of Khaleda Zia. Acknowledging her long contribution to Bangladesh's public life, he extended sincere prayers and best wishes for her recovery.
"India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can," PM Modi wrote in his post, signalling New Delhi's willingness to assist.
BNP's Grateful Acknowledgement
Responding promptly, the BNP on Tuesday (December 2) issued a statement on X expressing its "sincere gratitude" to the Indian Prime Minister. The party said it deeply appreciated this "gesture of goodwill" and the expression of readiness to extend support.
Khaleda Zia, a two-term prime minister, was admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka on November 23. Senior party officials confirmed she is suffering from a chest infection that is affecting both her heart and lungs, leaving her in an "extremely critical" condition.
Political Context and Son's Potential Return
The health crisis of the BNP chief comes at a significant time in Bangladesh's politics. The party's influence has grown since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year following a student-led uprising. The country is currently under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
In a related development, the interim government has stated it has "no restrictions or objections" to the return of Khaleda Zia's only son, Tarique Rahman. Rahman, the BNP's acting chairman, has been living in London since 2008.
De facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain said the government would provide Rahman with a travel pass within a day if he wished to return. Legal hurdles have been removed as Rahman has been acquitted in all pending cases since Hasina's ouster in August last year.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought prayers from the nation for the recovery of the "Mother of Democracy." The party's public acknowledgement of PM Modi's message highlights the ongoing diplomatic and political nuances in the region.
