Khaleda Zia's Death Sparks Questions of Exile's End
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The death of Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, has resonated across the region, triggering both mourning and political reflection. Born in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India, Zia’s life mirrored the turbulent political landscape of Bangladesh. Her funeral in Dhaka is being attended by dignitaries, including Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
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 forced to live abroad for decades due to her secular and feminist views, directly questioned whether the change in political climate following Zia’s death might allow for her return to Bangladesh.
Zia’s political career was marked by periods of both power and opposition, navigating complex relationships with the military and rival political figures. Her legacy remains a subject of debate, but her influence on Bangladeshi politics is undeniable. The current moment presents a potential inflection point, not only for the nation’s political future but also for the fate of those, like Nasreen, who have been forced into exile.
