Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia died on early Tuesday at the age of 80. A dominant figure in the country’s politics for decades, Zia remained the key rival of Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving leader now living in exile in New Delhi after being forced to flee amid nationwide unrest in 2024, the Daily Star reported.Khaleda had been in a critical condition for months and was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital.She had been battling a range of serious health complications for years, including heart disease, liver and kidney problems, diabetes, lung ailments, arthritis and eye-related conditions. She had a permanent pacemaker and had previously undergone stent placement for cardiac issues.Despite her vulnerable health, last month Khaleda had promised to campaign for upcoming election, expected in early 2026, in which her party – BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner.According to The Daily Star, since her return from London on May 6 after receiving advanced medical care, former prime minister Khaleda Zia had been undergoing regular check-ups at Evercare Hospital.Her death comes just days after her son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh from London, ending 17 years of self-imposed exile as the country heads toward crucial elections. She was the first woman in Bangladesh to hold the office of prime minister.She married Ziaur Rahman in 1960, who later went on to become Bangladesh’s president in 1977.After his assassination by military officers in 1981, she entered active politics and assumed leadership of the BNP in 1984.Khaleda led the opposition to victory in 1991, becoming the first woman to serve as Bangladesh prime minister. She held the office from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006.
