Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital, her party confirmed.
She was 80 years old. According to the BNP, Khaleda Zia died at around 6:00am local time, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party shared the news through posts on its verified Facebook page.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The BNP said, “Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am, just after Fajr prayer. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and request everyone to pray for her.”
Khaleda Zia had been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after suffering from a lung infection. She had been dealing with several long-term health problems for many years, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis and kidney complications.
Earlier this month, she was taken to London for advanced medical treatment due to her worsening health conditions.
Her death comes at an important political time for Bangladesh. The country is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 2026. Political tensions have been high since last year’s July Uprising.
The passing of the former prime minister also comes soon after the return of her son, BNP leader Tarique Rahman, to Bangladesh after many years in exile. Tarique Rahman had left the country after his arrest in 2007–08 and later moved to London following his release.
After the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year, Tarique Rahman was cleared of several cases filed during the Awami League period. This cleared the way for his return to Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman arrived in the country last week and was welcomed by a large crowd of party leaders and supporters near the airport. The event was seen as a major political moment ahead of the upcoming elections. After returning, he also visited his mother at Evercare Hospital.
Details about Khaleda Zia’s funeral arrangements and official programmes are expected to be announced soon.
You Might Also Like:
Al-Tilmeez: A Pioneering Arabic Literary Journal from Jammu and Kashmir
Professor Mufti Abdul Ghani Azhari: Scholar, Sufi, Historian, and Social Reformer of Kashmir
Mirwaiz Mohammad Ahmad son of Mufasir-e-Quran Moulana Mohammad Yousuf Shah Dies in Islamabad