Bangladesh’s Former PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Bangladesh at a Turning Point: Khaleda Zia’s Passing Ends an Era, Boosts BNP Ahead of Crucial Polls.

Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and longtime BNP chairperson, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 80 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after prolonged illness, ending an era that shaped the country’s politics for over three decades.

Battling advanced liver cirrhosis, diabetes, heart disease and lung infections, her death prompted interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to declare three days of state mourning and a general holiday on Wednesday, with her Namaz-e-Janaza and burial scheduled for December 31.

Alongside her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia defined Bangladesh’s political landscape through intense rivalry that influenced governance, elections and street politics. Her passing comes at a critical moment following Hasina’s ouster in 2024, as her son Tarique Rahman has returned from 17 years of exile and is expected to assume full leadership of the BNP ahead of the February 12, 2026 elections, potentially triggering a strong sympathy wave for the party.

The development also presents fresh challenges for India-Bangladesh relations, as her earlier governments were seen as less aligned with New Delhi, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, signalling diplomatic recalibration.

Describing her leadership as “uncompromising,” Yunus said Khaleda Zia repeatedly stood against undemocratic forces, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape Bangladesh’s future.