Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has passed away at the age of 80. She died early this morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged period of illness. The announcement was made via the party’s verified Facebook page, stating her passing occurred around 6:00 AM, shortly after the Fajr prayer. Zia’s death comes as a significant moment for her supporters and the BNP, especially as she was anticipated to participate in the upcoming national elections in February, despite her deteriorating health. Her son, Tarique Rahman, recently filed nomination papers for him to contest seats in Dhaka and Bogura, returning to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad.
Khaleda Zia had been contending with several chronic health issues, including heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems. She was under intensive care in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital, where a team of local and international medical specialists monitored her treatment. Reports indicate she was admitted on November 23, following her medical board’s recommendation due to infections affecting her heart and lungs. Her condition necessitated a move to the CCU on November 27 for continuous observation. An attempt to transfer her to London for advanced treatment was unfortunately not possible due to her critical state.
Khaleda Zia was a pivotal figure in Bangladeshi politics, serving as Prime Minister twice and leading the BNP for decades. Her political journey began after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, the party’s founder. She made history as the nation’s first female prime minister, serving from 1991-1996 and again from 2001-2006. Her political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina profoundly shaped the country’s political landscape for over thirty years.
