Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM and BNP Leader, Dies at 79 After Prolonged Illness; Modi Pays Tribute
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, passed away after a long illness, her opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on Tuesday.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) December 30: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia — viewed as one of the leading candidates in a general election the following year — died early Tuesday after a lengthy illness. Zia had been being treated for infections in her heart and lungs, and also had pneumonia.
The party said, “The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6.00 a.m., just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” in an official statement.
PM Modi's Emotional Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sincerest condolences. He wrote, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership," on social media platform X.
Yunus Honors Her Legacy
Bangladesh leader of interim government Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow on the passing of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He said, "Through her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic conditions and inspired to regain liberty. The nation will remember her contributions to the country and its people with respect," about her on X.
Long Battle with Health Issues
Khaleda was in a critical condition for months and was being treated in the intensive care unit of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. She had struggled with a host of serious health issues over the years, including heart disease, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis and ocular diseases.
She had a permanent pacemaker and had previously had a stent placed for cardiac trouble. Ms. Zia had returned to the country in May, following a stint in medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
BNP's Future Amid Political Vacuum
Although Ms. Zia had been out of power since 2006 and had served several years in jail or been detained under house arrest, she and her centre-right BNP continued to garner a great deal of support.
The BNP is widely seen as the main contender for the February parliament elections. Her son, Tarique Rahman, who is also the acting chairman of the party, returned to the country last week after almost 17 years in exile and is widely considered a strong candidate for prime minister.
