Bangladesh’s Political Landscape Shifts as Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies at 80

Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has died. She passed away on Tuesday at 6 AM local time. She was 80 years old.Her death was confirmed by a statement from her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She had been suffering from prolonged health issues. Her passing marks the end of an era in the nation’s turbulent politics.

A Defining Figure in Bangladesh’s History

Khaleda Zia was a two-time prime minister. She first served from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was Bangladesh’s first woman to lead a democratic government.She rose to political prominence after her husband’s assassination. President Ziaur Rahman, an independence war hero, was killed in 1981. She took leadership of the BNP he founded in 1984.According to Reuters, she became a central figure opposing military rule. She led mass movements that ultimately restored parliamentary democracy. Her career shaped decades of deeply polarized politics in Bangladesh.Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League is legendary. This feud often paralyzed governance and triggered violent street protests. It defined the nation’s two-party system for over thirty years.

Death Comes at a Pivotal Political Moment

Zia’s death occurs at a crucial juncture. Her son, Tarique Rahman, recently returned from exile. He had lived in London for 17 years.He is considered the front-runner to be the next prime minister. This is if the BNP wins upcoming landmark general elections. His return followed the ouster of his mother’s rival, Sheikh Hasina, last year.The current political climate remains tense. Hasina now lives in exile in India. Her party is unlikely to be permitted to contest the elections.Zia’s legacy is complex. She was convicted on corruption charges in 2018. She called the cases politically motivated and denied all wrongdoing.Due to poor health, she was released from prison in 2020. She received medical treatment while under house arrest. Her physical decline kept her from public life in recent years.

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The death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia removes a towering figure from Bangladesh’s stage. Her passing reshapes the political landscape ahead of critical elections. The nation now watches to see how her legacy and party will evolve without its matriarch.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Khaleda Zia’s main political rival?

Her primary rival was Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League. Their intense feud dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades. This rivalry often led to election boycotts and widespread protests.

What was Khaleda Zia’s cause of death?

She died after a prolonged illness. Specific details were not immediately disclosed. She had been in poor health for several years prior to her passing.

How did Khaleda Zia enter politics?

She entered politics after her husband’s assassination in 1981. President Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP. She took over the party leadership three years later.

What is the significance of her son’s return to Bangladesh?

Tarique Rahman’s return ends 17 years of exile. He is the acting chairman of the BNP. His return is seen as a major move ahead of the next general election.

What were relations like with India during her rule?

Relations with New Delhi were generally cooler under her leadership. India viewed Sheikh Hasina as a more reliable partner. This contrasts with the closer ties seen in recent years.

Trusted Sources: Reuters