Dhaka, Dec 30:
Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a towering figure in its democratic history, passed away early Tuesday morning. The 80-year-old chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at approximately 6:00 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, shortly after the Fajr prayers.
The BNP confirmed the news through its verified social media platforms, stating: “We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul.”
Born in 1945, Khaleda Zia’s journey from the wife of a military hero to a two-time Prime Minister reshaped the landscape of South Asian politics. Following the 1981 assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, she reluctantly entered politics and took charge of the BNP in 1984. She earned the title of “Mother of Democracy” for her uncompromising leadership in the mass movement against military ruler HM Ershad in the 1980s. In 1991, she became the first woman to lead Bangladesh as Prime Minister, later serving a second full term from 2001 to 2006.
The Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has announced three days of state mourning. Her funeral prayers are scheduled for Wednesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka. She will be laid to rest with full state honors beside the grave of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan. A general holiday has been declared for Wednesday to allow citizens to pay their final respects.
Khaleda Zia’s passing comes at a volatile moment for the nation:
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The Return of Tarique Rahman: Her son and acting BNP chief, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh just last week after 17 years in exile. His presence is seen as a major catalyst for the BNP ahead of the February 2026 general elections.
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Wave of Sympathy: Political analysts suggest her death may generate a significant “emotional wave” of support for the BNP, which is currently in a stro0ng position following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Expressed “profound grief,” noting her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties and her contributions to the nation’s development.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus: Described her as a “great guardian” of the nation and a pillar of democracy.
Sheikh Hasina: In a rare statement, the deposed leader expressed condolences, calling Zia’s death a “major loss” to the country’s political life.
