Source Aljajeera
DHAKA – The death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a towering figure who shaped the nation’s political landscape for over three decades, has sparked an outpouring of grief and respect from across the globe.
Zia passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged battle with multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart ailments. Her death marks the end of an era in South Asian politics, often defined by her fierce “uncompromising” leadership and a storied rivalry with Sheikh Hasina.
A Nation in Mourning
In response to her passing, Bangladesh has declared three days of state mourning. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, led the national tributes, describing Zia as a “great guardian” and a “unique symbol of struggle and resistance.”
“Her struggle to establish democracy and a multi-party political culture in Bangladesh will be remembered forever,” Yunus stated in a televised address, appealing for calm as the nation prepares for her funeral on Wednesday.
Her son, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned from 17 years in exile, expressed his personal grief on social media, calling her the “Mother of Democracy” and a leader who “stood firm against autocracy and fascism.”
International Reactions
World leaders and diplomats were quick to offer their condolences, highlighting Zia’s role in the Muslim world and her impact on regional stability.
India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness, noting her “significant contributions to the development of Bangladesh” and her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. He recalled their meeting in 2015 and hoped her vision would continue to guide the bilateral partnership.
Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Zia as a “committed friend of Pakistan” and a leader whose lifelong service left a lasting legacy.
China: Premier Li Qiang sent a message of condolence, calling her a “veteran politician” and an “old friend of the Chinese people” who played a pivotal role in advancing ties between the two nations.
United States & EU: The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and the European Union both issued statements recognizing her as a central figure in Bangladesh’s modern history and a leader who “embodied the democratic aspirations” of her people.
An Unexpected Tribute
In a move that surprised many given their decades-long “Battle of the Begums,” exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a statement from India. She described Zia’s passing as a “profound loss” for the country’s political life and acknowledged her rival’s significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for democracy.
Legacy of the ‘Uncompromising Leader’
Born in 1945, Khaleda Zia entered politics following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She rose to become a symbol of resistance against military rule in the 1980s, eventually leading her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to victory in 1991.
While her later years were marked by legal battles and house arrest—charges her supporters claim were politically motivated—her supporters remember her most for her reforms in education, particularly for girls, and for championing a distinct Bangladeshi national identity.
As thousands of supporters gather in Dhaka for her final rites, the political focus now shifts to her son, Tarique Rahman, who is expected to lead the BNP into the upcoming national elections scheduled for early 2026.
