Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia died on early Tuesday at the age of 80. A dominant figure in the country’s politics for decades, Zia remained the key rival of Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving leader now living in exile in New Delhi after being forced to flee amid nationwide unrest in 2024, the Daily Star reported.Bangladesh leader of interim government Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound sorrow on the passing away of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. In his condolence message, he wrote: “I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his “sincerest” condolences, he wrote on X, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership.”Khaleda had been in a critical condition for months and was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital.
She had been battling a range of serious health complications for years, including heart disease, liver and kidney problems, diabetes, lung ailments, arthritis and eye-related conditions. She had a permanent pacemaker and had previously undergone stent placement for cardiac issues.
Despite her vulnerable health, last month Khaleda had promised to campaign for upcoming election, expected in early 2026, in which her party – BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner.Also read: Who was Khaleda Zia – Bangladesh’s first woman PM and BNP chiefAccording to The Daily Star, since her return from London on May 6 after receiving advanced medical care, former prime minister Khaleda Zia had been undergoing regular check-ups at Evercare Hospital.Her death comes just days after her son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh from London, ending 17 years of self-imposed exile as the country heads toward crucial elections.She was the first woman in Bangladesh to hold the office of prime minister.She married Ziaur Rahman in 1960, who later went on to become Bangladesh’s president in 1977.After his assassination by military officers in 1981, she entered active politics and assumed leadership of the BNP in 1984.Khaleda led the opposition to victory in 1991, becoming the first woman to serve as Bangladesh prime minister. She held the office from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006.
