Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in the country’s political history and its first woman prime minister, passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) confirmed that she died at a hospital in Dhaka where she had been receiving treatment for multiple age-related health complications. Khaleda Zia served twice as Prime Minister and remained a central force in Bangladeshi politics for decades. Known for her strong nationalist politics, she was often perceived as sceptical of close ties with India, and her tenure witnessed strained India Bangladesh relations, particularly on issues of security and regional cooperation. Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s political landscape, drawing tributes from supporters, political leaders and citizens across the country.