Former prime minister and
BNP leader
Khaleda Zia has died today at 6:00 a.m at
Evercare Hospital in Dhaka
Bangladesh from complications of
liver cirrhosis,
arthritis,
diabetes, and
heart and lung problems; she had been hospitalized since late November. Zia first took office in 1991 after helping end
military rule, serving again from 2001 to 2006 amid
economic reforms and a fierce rivalry with
Sheikh Hasina known as the '
battling begums.' Released from prison in 2020 and freed fully in 2024 after
Hasina's ouster, she remained BNP chairperson until the end, even nominating for upcoming elections while bedridden. Tributes from interim leader
Muhammad Yunus and supporters worldwide remember her as a resilient fighter for democracy. Official announcement of her death was made by
Bangladesh Nationalist Party today morning.
