Khaleda Zia's Death Sparks Questions of Exile's End
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The death of Khaleda Zia, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, has triggered a wave of mourning and reflection. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Zia’s funeral in Dhaka, delivering a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman, Zia’s son. Zia, who was born in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, held a significant place in the nation’s history, navigating a period of considerable political turbulence.
However, Zia’s passing has also brought renewed attention to the long-standing exile of writer Taslima Nasreen. Nasreen, who has faced threats and been barred from returning to Bangladesh for decades due to her secular views, directly questioned whether the change in political climate following Zia’s death might allow for her own return. Her inquiry highlights the complex relationship between political power, freedom of expression, and the fate of dissidents in Bangladesh. Zia’s political career was marked by both strong leadership and periods of intense rivalry, particularly with Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister. The circumstances surrounding Zia’s death and the subsequent political maneuvering will undoubtedly shape Bangladesh’s future.
