Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday morning. She was 80. Khaleda Zia breathed her last while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged illness.
Health Condition and Final Moments
According to hospital sources, Khaleda Zia had been suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and heart-related complications for some time. Her condition worsened in the early hours of Tuesday. Doctors placed her on ventilator support; however, despite best efforts, she could not be revived.
Her son Tarique Rahman, who recently returned from London, was present during her final moments. The news of her death has sent shockwaves across Bangladesh and beyond.
PM Modi Pays Tribute
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s demise. Taking to social media platform X, Modi recalled her historic role as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister.
He stated that Khaleda Zia played an important role not only in Bangladesh’s development but also in strengthening India–Bangladesh relations. Modi also remembered meeting her during his official visit to Dhaka in 2015.
A Political Journey That Shaped Bangladesh
Khaleda Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. Later, she led the movement against military ruler H.M. Ershad. In 1991, she created history by becoming Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister.
Her long-standing rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladeshi politics for decades. Although she faced imprisonment on corruption charges during Hasina’s tenure, she was recently acquitted.
End of an Era
Bangladesh’s interim head of government Muhammad Yunus also expressed heartfelt condolences. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of a significant political era in Bangladesh, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
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