• Source:JND

Sheikh Hasina On Khaleda Zia's Death: Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster in 2024, condoled the death of her political rival and BNP chief Khaleda Zia. Khaleeda, the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, longtime chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and a two-time prime minister, died early Tuesday in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

In a statement released on X, Hasina extended condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia. Recalling her contribution, Hasina praised her role in the struggle to establish democracy when the country was headed by a military coup.

“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered. Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," a message posted from Bangladesh Awami League, Hasina’s party, read.

“I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul. I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family. I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family. I hope that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time,” added the post.

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Khaleda Zia's death: Major setback for BNP

Party leaders, activists, supporters and Zia's admirers crowded the Evercare Hospital premises soon after her death was announced, while BNP said it would hold a week-long mourning.
BNP has emerged as the forerunner in the upcoming Feb 12 general election in the changed political landscape, with the absence of the disbanded Awami League of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina.

Its former ally Jamaat is now emerging as BNP's main rival.

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BNP had earlier said that if physically well, Zia would be the next prime minister if the party is voted to power in February 12 election, otherwise Rahman is their nominee for the position.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Yunus' advisory council, effectively the cabinet, has called an emergency meeting after Zia's death and he was invited to join the meeting.

Zia's political journey, spanning over four decades, was one of tremendous highs and lows: from leading a major party and governing the country to being convicted on corruption charges and later receiving a presidential pardon. Her rise as a public figure is widely viewed as accidental. A decade after becoming a widow at the age of 35, she assumed the role of prime minister, but her entry into politics was not planned.

(With inputs from agency)


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