Khaleda Zia, former Bangladesh PM and BNP chief, dies at 80 after prolonged illness

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday morning after a long illness. She was 80 years old. The BNP confirmed that she died at around 6 am while undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Apollo Hospital, also known as Evercare Hospital.

Khaleda Zia had been critically ill for several weeks. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23 and remained under treatment for 36 days. Doctors said she was suffering from serious infections that affected her heart and lungs. Over the years, her health had weakened due to several chronic conditions.

She was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and one of the most influential political figures in the country’s history. Her death marks the end of a major chapter in Bangladesh’s politics.

Long illness and final days

Khaleda Zia had been battling multiple health problems for a long time. These included liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and long-standing issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight. Because of her age and weakened condition, doctors described her health as extremely fragile.

A special medical board was formed to treat her. The team was led by senior cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukder and included doctors and specialists from Bangladesh as well as medical experts from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia. Despite constant medical supervision, her condition continued to worsen.

Earlier this month, there were plans to shift Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment. A special aircraft from Qatar was kept ready to take her to London. However, doctors later decided against the move, saying she was too weak to travel safely. The medical board did not give permission for her transfer from the hospital to the airport.

Just two days before her death, her personal physician had said that she was in an “extremely critical” condition. According to a statement shared by the BNP on Facebook, her health deteriorated sharply late on Monday night. Doctors tried their best to stabilise her, but she passed away early Tuesday morning.

The news of her death quickly spread across Bangladesh, with party leaders, supporters, and citizens expressing grief. Many remembered her long political career and her role in shaping the country’s modern political history.

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Political career and legal battles

Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice. Her first term was from 1991 to 1996, and her second term lasted from 2001 to 2006. During her time in office, she played a central role in Bangladesh’s democratic process and led the country through important political and economic phases.

She was also the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a former president of Bangladesh and an army commander who remains a respected figure in the country. After his death, Khaleda Zia emerged as a strong political leader and went on to head the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

However, her later years were marked by serious legal troubles. In 2018, she was convicted in a corruption case linked to the misuse of funds meant for orphans. The case dated back to 2008. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to prison, which significantly affected her political activities.

In 2020, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was also her long-time political rival, suspended Khaleda Zia’s prison sentence on health grounds. She was released from jail and placed under house arrest. The suspension came with strict conditions, including that she would not travel abroad or take part in political activities.

After Sheikh Hasina was removed from power, Khaleda Zia was released from house arrest. Earlier this year, in January, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court overturned her earlier 10-year prison sentence in the corruption case and acquitted her. The BNP welcomed the decision and repeated its claim that the case had been politically motivated.

The party has consistently argued that Khaleda Zia was targeted by the previous government for political reasons. Her supporters believe that her legal troubles weakened her health and kept her away from active politics during her final years.

Despite her illness and legal challenges, Khaleda Zia remained a powerful symbol for the BNP and its supporters. She was admired by many for her determination and resilience, even during difficult times.

Khaleda Zia’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, both within Bangladesh and abroad. Many have acknowledged her historic role as the country’s first woman prime minister and her contribution to Bangladesh’s political journey.

As Bangladesh mourns her passing, Khaleda Zia will be remembered as a towering political figure who left a lasting impact on the nation’s history. Her legacy, marked by leadership, controversy, and resilience, will continue to shape political discussions in the country for years to come.