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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies at 80

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a towering figure in the nation’s politics, has died at the age of 80. She passed away at 6:00 AM local time on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, after a prolonged illness, according to a statement from her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Zia had been receiving treatment for 36 days for complications related to her heart, lungs, and pneumonia. She had a history of multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney problems. Specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the US, China, and Australia were involved in her care. Attempts to seek treatment abroad earlier this month were unsuccessful due to her fragile condition.

Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister three times, first assuming office in 1991. She is credited with introducing the parliamentary form of government and the caretaker government system to oversee free and fair elections in Bangladesh. Her political career began after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. To uphold his legacy and prevent the BNP from fracturing, she joined the party, later becoming its chairperson.

Zia’s political career was marked by intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister, leading to a period of political instability, protests, and violence that often impeded the nation’s economic progress. Although they initially cooperated to depose military ruler Hossain Mohammad Ershad, they later become bitter enemies. In 2018, Zia was convicted of corruption, a charge her party claims was politically motivated. She was freed from house arrest in August 2024 after Hasina’s ouster. However, in early 2025, Zia and Rahman were acquitted by Bangladesh’s Supreme Court in the corruption case that resulted in the 2018 jail sentences. Rahman had been acquitted of the 2004 grenade attack on Hasina a month earlier.

She is survived by her elder son, Tarique Rahman, his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman.

The BNP has requested prayers for the forgiveness of her soul. The passing of Khaleda Zia marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics.

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