BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away early today, September 20, 2023, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She died around 6:00 am, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The news was confirmed by BNP officials, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Khaleda Zia, aged 80, had been battling various health issues for several years. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23, 2022, following complications related to infections in her heart and lungs. She also suffered from pneumonia and had multiple underlying health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and liver issues. Khaleda was fitted with a permanent pacemaker and had undergone heart stenting in the past. Her condition required regular medical check-ups since her return from London on May 6, 2023, where she received advanced treatment.
Khaleda Zia’s Political Legacy
Khaleda Zia was an influential figure in Bangladeshi politics, emerging as the first female prime minister in 1991. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) through various political movements and elections. Khaleda’s political career included significant reforms, such as introducing a caretaker government system aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.
- 1991: Sworn in as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh.
- 1996: Re-elected for a second term as prime minister.
- 2001: Became prime minister for the third time after the BNP-led alliance won elections.
Khaleda faced numerous challenges during her political journey. She was imprisoned in 2018 following a corruption conviction. Her supporters repeatedly sought permission for her to receive better medical care abroad, but these requests were denied by the government.
Personal Life
Khaleda was born on August 15, 1945, in Jalpaiguri. She was educated in local schools before marrying Ziaur Rahman in 1960. Ziaur later became a pivotal military leader during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Following his assassination in 1981, Khaleda joined the BNP, assuming leadership roles that would define her political career.
Khaleda Zia is survived by her elder son, Tarique Rahman, and her two daughters-in-law, along with three grandchildren. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, passed away a few years ago in Malaysia.
Impact and Recognition
Throughout her life, Khaleda Zia made significant contributions to the political landscape of Bangladesh. Her leadership was marked by both triumphs in elections and challenges while in opposition. She left a complex legacy, characterized by her role as a pioneering female leader in a male-dominated political arena.
As Bangladesh mourns her passing, Khaleda Zia’s influence on the nation’s democracy and governance will be remembered for years to come.
