Khaleda Zia, a highly influential figure in Bangladeshi politics and the nation's inaugural female Prime Minister, has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Her death was officially confirmed by her political party early on Tuesday morning. This marks a somber conclusion to a distinguished career that spanned several decades, a period notably characterized by both substantial accomplishments and considerable political upheaval. Zia had been receiving treatment for a persistent illness at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where her health had deteriorated to a "critically ill" state, necessitating life support.
Her rise to the highest political office in Bangladesh was deeply intertwined with personal tragedy. Zia's political career commenced in the aftermath of the 1981 assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman. Emerging from this profound personal loss, she successfully rallied support and assumed leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She ultimately guided the party to a significant victory in the 1991 general elections. This crucial win not only established her as Prime Minister but also initiated a new chapter, reinstating parliamentary democracy after a period of military rule.
During her initial term as Prime Minister, Zia focused on advancing women's education and implementing broader social development programs, which laid essential foundations for future progress. However, her political tenure was also defined by a long-standing and intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, the current ousted leader. This protracted antagonism between two formidable women significantly shaped the course of Bangladeshi politics, frequently resulting in periods of heightened national tension and political stagnation. Throughout her extensive career, Zia faced periods of confinement, including imprisonment and house arrest, highlighting the often-unpredictable nature of the country's political environment. She was notably cleared of corruption allegations after Sheikh Hasina's party lost power following a contentious election late last year.
The announcement of her passing, made through a Facebook post by the BNP, has evoked widespread grief across the nation, with reports of crowds gathering outside the hospital. Medical professionals had previously indicated on Monday that her advanced age and fragile health severely limited available treatment options, a somber indication of the impending outcome.
Khaleda Zia's passing represents the conclusion of a significant era in Bangladesh's political history. Her leadership played a vital role in the country's democratic revival, and her legacy is intrinsically linked to the nation's ongoing pursuit of stability and advancement. Her death occurs shortly before the country's scheduled parliamentary elections in February, adding a poignant dimension to the upcoming electoral process and leaving a notable void in the opposition leadership at this critical juncture.