Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has passed away following a prolonged illness while undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Apollo Hospital. She was 80 years old.
According to an official statement released by the BNP, the veteran political leader breathed her last at 6:00 am on Tuesday, shortly after the Fajr (dawn) prayer. “The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and urge everyone to keep her in their prayers,” the statement said.
Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment for the past 36 days after being admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to severe infections in her heart and lungs. Over the years, she had been battling multiple health complications including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and chronic conditions affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes.
Her treatment was being coordinated by a high-level medical board headed by cardiologist Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder, with support from renowned specialists from Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia.
Earlier this month, there were efforts to move her abroad for advanced medical treatment. However, doctors later stated that her extremely fragile condition made such travel impossible.
Begum Khaleda Zia was a significant figure in Bangladesh’s political history. She was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh, leading the country twice and playing a major role in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladesh politics, and condolences have begun pouring in from leaders, party members, and citizens across the nation.