Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, has died at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness. The announcement was made by her political party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), in a statement released on Tuesday. Zia, the first woman to lead Bangladesh, served as prime minister twice and was a significant figure in the country's political landscape. She had been battling advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and heart-related issues for several years. Despite her health challenges, she remained active in politics and had vowed to campaign for the upcoming elections scheduled for February 2026. Her death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. Zia’s legacy includes her role in the country's struggle for democracy and her leadership of the BNP, which continues to be a major political force. Her passing has elicited condolences from across the political spectrum, with interim leader Muhammad Yunus describing her as a 'source of utmost inspiration for the nation.'