Dhaka, Dec. 10 -- Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina says that she is "gravely concerned" about the health of BNP chief Khaleda Zia, adding that she is praying for her, according to reports in the Indian media.

During an email interview with Indian private news agency IANS, published on Tuesday, Hasina was asked about reports of her longtime rival's condition and that security forces had been deployed at the hospital where she was staying.

"I am gravely concerned to hear that Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and will pray she can make a recovery," she responded.

In Bangladeshi politics, Khaleda and Hasina are known as the "two leaders". The two of them combined have served as prime minister for more than 30 of Bangladesh's 54-year history. At...