Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. She was 80. According to a statement issued by the BNP, Zia passed away at 6 am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Battled multiple health complications over several years
Bangladesh’s first female prime minister had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 and was under treatment for 36 days. She was suffering from infections in her heart and lungs, along with pneumonia, as reported by Bangladeshi daily The Daily Star.
“The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the party said in a statement. “We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul,” it added.
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Khaleda Zia had been battling multiple health complications for several years, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and chronic problems affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. Her medical treatment was supervised by a team of specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the US, China, and Australia. An attempt to take her abroad for advanced treatment earlier this month could not be carried out due to her fragile condition.
Zia formally entered active politics after winning the 1991 national election through popular vote and went on to serve as prime minister three times. She remained a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades and was widely seen as a key leader ahead of the country’s next elections.
She is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman. Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in exile. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, had died earlier in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on her death. In a post on X, he said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.
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“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,” he added.
Recalling his meeting with her, PM Modi said, “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace.”
