Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh, has left the country for medical treatment in London due to serious health issues. She departs amid political instability following the ousting of her rival, Sheikh Hasina. Zia had previously been imprisoned on corruption charges and, after being released on bail, faced obstacles in getting permission to leave until Qatar’s emir intervened. Zia’s absence could impact her party’s future as the interim government prepares for upcoming elections.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s former prime minister and prominent political figure, departed the country for medical treatment in London. As she struggles with serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney problems, Zia left behind a politically unstable Bangladesh after the ousting of her long-time rival, Sheikh Hasina. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is currently in charge and plans to hold elections either later this year or in early 2026.
Zia’s departure marks a significant moment in a tumultuous political landscape where she had previously been sentenced to 17 years in jail under Hasina’s government on corruption charges, which her supporters assert were politically motivated. After being released on bail and receiving healthcare locally, Zia faced obstacles in securing permission for international treatment until the emir of Qatar arranged a special air ambulance for her transport.
The event garnered widespread public support, with hundreds of Zia’s followers gathering to bid her farewell in Dhaka. Her absence at a time of political transition in Bangladesh raises questions about the future of her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, particularly as her son, Tarique Rahman, remains in exile and is likely to influence the party’s direction. The political backdrop is complex, with the rise of Islamist groups in the absence of Hasina’s leadership.
Khaleda Zia is a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s political history, having served as prime minister and leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Her political career has often been in direct opposition to Sheikh Hasina, another major leader. Zia faced legal challenges, including a lengthy prison sentence under charges perceived by many as politically motivated, which sparked national and international scrutiny. Currently, Bangladesh is navigating a precarious political climate following Hasina’s ouster and faces impending elections under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, raising uncertain prospects for the future of the country’s governance and political alignment.
The departure of Khaleda Zia for medical treatment abroad underscores the shifting dynamics in Bangladesh’s political landscape. With a history of rivalry with Sheikh Hasina and the current interim government’s plans for elections, Zia’s health and political future will have significant implications on the nation’s political fabric. As political tensions simmer and new parties potentially emerge, the landscape remains unpredictable as Bangladesh heads toward its next electoral phase.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
