Bangladesh has entered a moment of deep political and emotional significance following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s former prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Khaleda Zia died at the age of 80 on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Apollo Hospital, according to an official statement released by her party. Her passing marks the end of a defining era in Bangladesh politics, one that shaped the nation’s democratic journey, power struggles and governance for more than three decades.

Khaleda Zia had been battling prolonged and complex health issues for several years, and her condition had deteriorated sharply over the past few weeks. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23, where she remained under intensive medical supervision for 36 days. Doctors confirmed that she breathed her last at around 6 am, following a rapid decline in her condition late Monday night.

According to the BNP, Khaleda Zia had been suffering from multiple age-related and chronic ailments, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, lung complications, heart problems and eye disorders. Over time, these conditions severely weakened her body, making recovery increasingly difficult despite sustained medical intervention.

Her treatment was overseen by a specialised medical board led by senior cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukder. The board included doctors and medical experts from Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, the United States, China and Australia, reflecting the seriousness of her condition and the importance of her health to the nation. Despite these efforts, her fragile state limited treatment options.

Earlier in December, attempts were made to airlift Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical care. A special aircraft from Qatar was reportedly kept on standby to transfer her to London, where she could have accessed specialised treatment facilities. However, doctors ultimately did not grant clearance for her transfer, citing the high risk involved in moving her from the hospital to the airport.

Just two days before her death, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician had publicly confirmed that she was in an “extremely critical” condition. The BNP later stated that her health deteriorated significantly late on Monday night, leaving doctors with no option but to continue supportive care until she passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.

Khaleda Zia’s death has triggered an outpouring of reactions across Bangladesh’s political spectrum. As the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, she broke gender barriers and emerged as one of the most influential leaders in the country’s history. Her leadership, political resilience and enduring popularity among BNP supporters made her a central figure in national politics for decades.

Born into a period of political turbulence, Khaleda Zia rose to prominence following the assassination of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, a former president of Bangladesh and an army commander who played a key role in the country’s post-independence politics. After his death, she stepped into political life and eventually took charge of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, transforming herself into a formidable leader.

Khaleda Zia served as prime minister twice, first from 1991 to 1996, and then again from 2001 to 2006. Her first term marked Bangladesh’s return to parliamentary democracy after years of military rule. During this period, she focused on strengthening democratic institutions, economic reforms and governance structures.

Her second term, however, unfolded amid intense political rivalry, administrative challenges and growing tensions between the BNP and the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina. The rivalry between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina became one of the most defining features of Bangladesh politics, often described as deeply personal and fiercely ideological.

Over the years, Khaleda Zia also faced significant legal challenges. In 2018, she was convicted in a 2008 corruption case involving the misappropriation of funds meant for orphans. The conviction resulted in a prison sentence, effectively sidelining her from active politics. The BNP consistently maintained that the charges were politically motivated, accusing the Awami League government of targeting Zia to weaken the opposition.

In 2020, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suspended Khaleda Zia’s prison sentence on humanitarian and health grounds, allowing her to remain under house arrest. The suspension came with strict conditions, including a ban on foreign travel and participation in political activities. While this move eased her confinement, it also underscored the extent to which her health had declined.

A significant legal development came in January this year, when Bangladesh’s Supreme Court acquitted Khaleda Zia and overturned her earlier 10-year prison sentence in the corruption case. The verdict was seen by BNP supporters as a vindication of their long-standing claim that the cases against her were unjust. However, by then, her health had already deteriorated to the point where a return to active political life was no longer possible.

Despite prolonged illness and legal battles, Khaleda Zia remained a symbol of resistance and leadership for millions of BNP supporters. Her influence extended beyond electoral politics, shaping narratives around democracy, governance and opposition politics in Bangladesh. Even in declining health, her presence continued to loom large over the political landscape.

Her death leaves a significant void within the BNP, which now faces the challenge of redefining its leadership and strategy in a rapidly evolving political environment. For Bangladesh as a whole, her passing represents the end of a chapter defined by intense political competition, historic elections and landmark moments in democratic governance.

Beyond politics, Khaleda Zia’s life story reflects resilience amid adversity. From personal tragedy to political ascension, imprisonment and prolonged illness, her journey was marked by both power and struggle. Supporters remember her as a leader who stood firm in the face of opposition, while critics viewed her tenure through the lens of governance challenges and political polarisation.

As Bangladesh mourns her death, tributes continue to pour in from party workers, political leaders and citizens who witnessed her impact on national life. Flags were lowered at BNP offices, and party leaders announced programmes to honour her legacy. Discussions are also underway regarding state honours and funeral arrangements, reflecting her stature as a former head of government.

Khaleda Zia’s death is not just a personal loss for her family and party, but a historic moment for Bangladesh. It closes a chapter that began with the country’s early struggles for democratic stability and continued through decades of political transformation. Her legacy, shaped by leadership, controversy and endurance, will remain a subject of debate and reflection for years to come.

In the annals of Bangladesh’s political history, Begum Khaleda Zia will be remembered as a trailblazer, a rival, a survivor and a central figure whose life and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation.

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