DHAKA: Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia has passed away at the age of 80. She died early Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Hospital officials confirmed her death at around 6 AM local time.
Khaleda Zia had been suffering from several serious health conditions for years. Doctors said she faced complications related to liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Her condition worsened in recent weeks.
She was admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to a lung infection. Medical sources said she remained in critical condition during her final days. A team of specialists closely monitored her health.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced her death in an official statement. The party expressed deep grief and described her as a beloved national leader. BNP leaders asked the public to pray for her soul.
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus had earlier appealed to citizens for prayers. He described Khaleda as a source of inspiration for the nation. His message came while she was battling severe illness.
Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh. Her political journey began after a tragic event in 1981. Her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated during a failed military coup. She was only 35 years old at the time.
Following his death, she took charge of the BNP during political instability. Her influence grew steadily across the country. She first served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996. She returned to power again from 2001 to 2006.
Her political career was often shaped by rivalry. She had a long-standing political contest with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League. Their rivalry defined Bangladesh politics for decades.
In 2018, Khaleda Zia was convicted in corruption cases. She was sent to prison and barred from traveling abroad for treatment. Supporters raised concerns over her health during imprisonment.
She was released in 2023 after Sheikh Hasina left office. Since then, she remained largely out of public life due to illness.
Her death marks the end of a major political era. Her son, Tarique Rahman, recently returned after 17 years in self-imposed exile. He is expected to lead the BNP in the February 2025 general elections.
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Leaders across the country continue to pay tribute. Flags were lowered at several party offices. Bangladesh remembers Khaleda Zia as a central figure in its modern political history.
