Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, aged 80, passed away this morning after battling illness. Her death comes as the country prepares for a significant election on February 12. Experts suggest that her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), may now gain more seats due to a potential sympathy wave during the elections.
Khaleda Zia’s absence from the political scene due to health issues has been notable in recent times. The BNP, along with Jamaat-e-Islami, previously allies, are now contesting the upcoming elections independently. The return of Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, has injected fresh energy into the BNP’s supporters, enhancing their electoral prospects.
Tarique Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, is seen as a frontrunner for the position of the next Prime Minister. Recent polls indicate that the BNP leads over the Jamaat and the National Citizen Party (NCP). However, the BNP’s advantage is expected to grow following Khaleda Zia’s demise, as a surge of public sympathy is anticipated.
The BNP’s stance towards India has been evolving, with efforts to foster a positive relationship. Despite past tensions, the BNP is viewed as a more amenable partner compared to the Jamaat, which has closer ties to the ISI. The ISI’s attempts to influence the BNP’s policies and funding have intensified, reflecting a broader geopolitical struggle in the region.
