Dhaka, Bangladesh – The nation of Bangladesh is in mourning following the demise of Khaleda Zia, the country's inaugural female Prime Minister, who passed away at the age of 80. Her death was officially announced at 6:00 AM on Tuesday by her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), via a statement on social media platform Facebook. The news came after physicians had described her condition as "extremely critical" the previous day, with her being placed on life support.
Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics for decades, first ascended to the premiership in 1991, a pivotal moment that saw a woman break through the male-dominated political landscape. Her entry into public life was precipitated by tragedy; her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981. Following his death, she assumed leadership of the BNP, guiding the party into the nation's first democratic elections held in two decades. Her political journey was not without significant challenges, including her refusal to participate in elections orchestrated by military ruler General Hussain Muhammad Ershad during the 1980s.
Her tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant policy initiatives. Notably, her first term saw concerted efforts to advance women's education and foster social development, laying groundwork for greater gender equality. Furthermore, her government played a crucial role in reinstating parliamentary democracy by spearheading constitutional amendments, which garnered bipartisan consensus. This period is often remembered for its commitment to democratic restoration.
The circumstances surrounding her final days underscore the complexities of her later political career. Following the unseating of Sheikh Hasina's administration in a popular revolution late last year, Zia was permitted to travel to London for medical treatment. However, despite extensive efforts, her advanced age and pre-existing health conditions rendered comprehensive treatment options unviable, as noted by her medical team.
Her passing occurs at a particularly sensitive juncture for Bangladesh, with parliamentary elections slated for February. The political climate has been turbulent, and Zia's death is anticipated to have profound implications for the upcoming electoral contest and the broader political trajectory of the nation. Known for her unyielding resolve, Khaleda Zia leaves behind a formidable legacy as an uncompromising leader who fundamentally reshaped Bangladesh's political narrative and broke significant gender barriers. Crowds began to gather outside the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka shortly after the announcement of her death, reflecting the deep impact she had on the lives of countless Bangladeshis.