Feni is in deep mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. She passed away at 6:00 am Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after battling illness for 37 days.

Residents of Feni, particularly in her ancestral village of Majumdar Bari in South Sripur, Fulgazi, were seen weeping as news of her death spread. Locals described the former Prime Minister as a leader who cared deeply for her people, often visiting her village and personally inquiring about their welfare despite tight security during her tenure.

Tavith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation and a native of Daganbhuiyan, called her death “one of the saddest days in Bangladesh’s history,” praising her sacrifices for democracy and her unwavering leadership.

BNP leaders and local residents recalled Khaleda Zia’s compassion, her respect for elders, and affection for the young. Many expressed personal grief, saying her guidance and mentorship had left a lasting impact on their lives.

Khaleda Zia was born Khaleda Khanam Putul on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur. She studied at Mission School and Dinajpur Government Girls’ High School before marrying Ziaur Rahman in 1960. She was elected to parliament five times from Feni-1 and served as Prime Minister three times.

Her passing leaves a void in both her party and the nation. Tributes and prayers for her soul and her family continue to pour in from across Feni and beyond.