Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed.
According to a BNP statement, Khaleda Zia died at around 6 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been undergoing treatment for more than a month.
Taking to X, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP posted, ”
Khaleda Zia had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to severe heart and lung complications.
Reports indicate she was also battling pneumonia in her final weeks, remaining under intensive medical supervision for 36 days.
Over the years, she confronted multiple chronic conditions. These included liver cirrhosis, diabetes and arthritis. She also suffered long-standing problems affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart and eyesight.
Her treatment involved a multidisciplinary team from Bangladesh, the UK, the US, China, and Australia.
Earlier this month, discussions took place regarding her transfer abroad for advanced care. However, doctors advised against it, citing her frail condition.
Khaleda Zia, widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, made history as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and served two terms in office.
Despite legal battles and health struggles, she remained a central figure in national politics. Many supporters believed she could have influenced future elections.
Her elder son, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman survived her.
Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, passed away several years ago in Malaysia. Tarique Rahman had returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in exile.
Tributes continue to pour in from party leaders, allies, and supporters, marking the end of an era in Bangladesh’s tumultuous political landscape.
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