Prominent Indian leaders expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Tuesday. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took to X, saying Zia played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political journey and extended condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned her demise, describing her as a key figure in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to Zia as a prominent leader, extending sympathies to her family, friends, and followers through social media.
Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged illness, the BNP confirmed. She had been receiving treatment for over a month, battling complications related to her heart, lungs, and pneumonia, among other chronic ailments.
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Over her lifetime, Zia struggled with liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and longstanding issues affecting her kidneys, heart, lungs, and eyesight. Her treatment was supervised by a team of international and Bangladeshi specialists, including doctors from the UK, US, China, and Australia. Plans to seek advanced treatment overseas were abandoned due to her fragile condition.
Zia, the wife of former President Ziaur Rahman, made history as Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, serving two terms in office. Her leadership and political influence left a lasting imprint on the nation, and her death marks the end of a significant era in Bangladeshi politics.
The BNP released a statement praying for the forgiveness of her soul and urged citizens to offer prayers. Her passing has triggered widespread mourning both within Bangladesh and across South Asia, reflecting her stature as a national and regional political figure.
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