The political landscape of Bangladesh is in mourning following the death of Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a two-time former Prime Minister. She passed away at the age of 80 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka early this morning, after a prolonged battle with illness. The BNP conveyed the sad news through its official Facebook page, stating her passing occurred around 6:00 AM, just after the dawn prayer. This news comes as a shock, particularly as Zia was expected to be a contender in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February, despite her ongoing health concerns. Her son, Tarique Rahman, had recently submitted nomination papers for seats in Dhaka and Bogura, marking his return to Bangladesh after nearly two decades of self-imposed exile.
Khaleda Zia had been suffering from a complex array of long-term health problems, including significant cardiac issues, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney dysfunction. She was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital for intensive monitoring by a team comprising both local and international medical experts. Her admission on November 23 followed a diagnosis of heart and lung infections, as advised by her medical board. Her condition deteriorated, prompting her transfer to the CCU on November 27 for constant critical care. An initiative to airlift her to London for further treatment was regrettably halted due to her precarious health status.
Khaleda Zia was a central figure in Bangladesh’s political history, ascending to national prominence after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP. She led the party for many years and served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, becoming the first woman to hold the top executive office. Her protracted political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League significantly influenced the nation’s political trajectory for over three decades, leaving an enduring impact on its democratic evolution.