Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, the party said in a statement on social media.
She was 80 years old. According to the BNP, Khaleda Zia died at around 6:00 am local time, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party confirmed the news through posts on its verified Facebook page.
“Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am, just after Fajr prayer,” the BNP said, adding, “We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul.”
Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following a lung infection. She had been suffering from multiple health issues for a long time, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. Earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment.
Her death comes at a crucial political moment, with Bangladesh preparing for national elections scheduled for February 2026, amid heightened political tensions following last year’s July Uprising.
The former prime minister’s passing also follows the recent return of her son and senior BNP leader Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after years in exile. Rahman, who left the country after his arrest in 2007–08 and later settled in London, returned last week after being acquitted in several cases following the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
His arrival was marked by a large gathering of party leaders and supporters near the airport, seen as a major political event ahead of the elections. After returning, Tarique Rahman also visited his mother at Evercare Hospital.
Further details regarding Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral arrangements and official programmes are awaited. (Agencies)
