Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, has died at the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, according to her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP announced her death in a statement on Tuesday morning. Khaleda was 80 years old.

The cause of death was advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and chest and heart problems, as stated by her doctors. She had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 with symptoms of a lung infection.

Khaleda’s party has asked for prayers for her soul, following her death. Her interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, had previously requested that people pray for her during her final days. Khaleda was jailed for corruption in 2018 under then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, but was released last year after Hasina was forced from power.

Khaleda’s son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after a 17-year absence and was welcomed by large crowds of supporters. He will lead the BNP through the upcoming February 12 general election and is expected to be put forward as prime minister if his party wins a majority.

Source: Al Jazeera