Bangladesh Mourns the Passing of Khaleda Zia, Its First Female Prime Minister, at Age 80
Bangladesh has lost its first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Zia, a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, became the first woman to lead the government in 1991 following her party’s victory in the first democratic elections in two decades. Despite her declining health, her party had expressed intentions for her to contest in the upcoming general elections, which are anticipated to take place in February.
Political Legacy and Rivalry
Khaleda Zia’s political career began after the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in a military coup in 1981. She rose to prominence as the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and served as prime minister twice, first from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. Her tenure was marked by a fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, which has dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades. The two women alternated between government and opposition, shaping the political landscape of the nation.
Zia’s political journey was not without controversy. Her time in office was marred by allegations of corruption, which culminated in her imprisonment in 2018 under Hasina’s administration. Zia maintained her innocence, claiming that the charges were politically motivated. After her release last year, following widespread anti-government protests that forced Hasina into exile, Zia’s party announced her intention to campaign in the upcoming elections.
Health Decline and Final Days
In her final days, Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorated significantly. She had been hospitalized for a month, suffering from multiple health issues, including kidney damage, heart disease, and pneumonia. On the day of her passing, physicians described her condition as “extremely critical,” and she was placed on life support. Despite the challenges posed by her age and health, her family remained by her side during her last moments. The interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, called for prayers for Zia, recognizing her as a source of inspiration for the nation.
Following the announcement of her death, crowds gathered outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party confirmed her passing on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their leader. The party urged supporters to pray for her soul, highlighting her significant impact on the country.
Tributes and Future of the BNP
Khaleda Zia’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from various quarters. Local newspapers have celebrated her legacy, with Prothom Alo referring to her as the “uncompromising leader” of Bangladesh. The Daily Star described her as a “defining figure of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle,” noting her resilience in the face of political adversity.
As the BNP looks to the future, the party is eyeing a return to power in the upcoming elections. Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in self-imposed exile, is expected to take on a leadership role if the party succeeds. The BNP’s plans for the elections reflect their ongoing commitment to Zia’s political vision, even as they mourn her loss.
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