Bangladesh Mourns Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
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Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a long-standing opposition leader, has died at the age of 80. Her death marks the end of an era in the nation’s often turbulent political landscape.
Zia served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was a key figure in challenging the dominance of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Her political career was marked by periods of both power and opposition, and she faced numerous legal challenges in recent years.
Following her death, thousands participated in funeral prayers held in Dhaka. Tarique Rahman, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which Zia founded, expressed gratitude for the support received from government officials and dignitaries during the funeral arrangements.
However, the BNP has directly blamed current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Zia’s death, alleging that she was released from prison already gravely ill. The circumstances surrounding Zia’s health and treatment while incarcerated have become a point of contention. Condolences have been received from international figures, including India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who signed a condolence book at the Bangladesh High Commission.
