Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences over the passing of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) chairperson and former PM Khaleda Zia, calling it a significant loss to the country’s political landscape.
Hasina, in a statement on Awami League’s X handle, highlighted Zia’s role as the first woman Prime Minister and her contributions to democracy, acknowledging her impact on the nation’s history. She also extended sympathies to Zia’s family, including her son Tarique Rahman, and the party members, wishing them strength during this challenging time.
Khaleda Zia, aged 80, passed away early Tuesday morning after battling illness for an extended period, as confirmed by her party. She breathed her last at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for over a month.
The BNP, in a statement, requested prayers for Zia’s soul and expressed sorrow over her demise. Zia had been hospitalized on November 23 due to severe health complications, including issues with her heart and lungs, and was under intensive medical care for 36 days.
Reports indicated that Zia was also fighting pneumonia in her final days and was under the care of a specialized medical team from Bangladesh and various other countries, including the UK, US, China, and Australia.
Khaleda Zia, the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, created history as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and served three terms in office.
