United News of Bangladesh

The aspirants from 51 out of 59 registered political parties, along with hundreds of independent candidates, submitted nominations to contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to the data compiled by the Election Commission. Among the parties, the highest 331 aspirants from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) submitted nomination papers (multiple candidates in some constituencies) to run the election scheduled for February 12, 2026. Besides, 276 aspirants from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party (JaPa), 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, 65 from Communist Party of Bangladesh CPB), 53 aspirants from AB Party, 44 from National Citizen Party-NCP, 42 from Insaniat Bangladesh and 41 aspirants from Basod. The other political parties who joined the race have less than 40 aspirants each. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: Registration time for postal voting extended till Jan 5 Several registered parties, including Samyabadi Dal (ML), Krishak Sramik Janata League, NAP, Workers Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Trinamool BNP and BNM have no aspirants in the election. A total of 2,569 aspirants, including 478 independent candidates, filed nomination papers in the country's 300 constituencies. The Election Commission is now scrutinising the nomination papers before finalising the list of valid candidates for the polls. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. Read more: Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The time for the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

One of the iconic figures in Bangladesh’s political history, BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, known as an uncompromising leader, lifelong fighter and true patriot, passed away on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). She was 80. Her long and turbulent political journey came to a solemn end at 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for 37 days. “The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am,” AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary, said early in the morning. Her death was later confirmed by the medical board and senior party leaders. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul, his voice choked with emotion. Read more: Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Shockwave in Winter Morning Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. News of her death spread quickly through the city in the early hours, cutting through the cold winter morning and heavy fog. People across the country were stunned. Silence fell, while scenes of grief unfolded inside and outside the hospital. A deep sense of grief swept across Bangladesh with condolence messages pouring in from leaders at home and abroad. The BNP announced seven days of mourning over the death of its long-time leader. The government has declared three days of national mourning, including a general holiday on Wednesday. As per the BNP Standing Committee’s decision, Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. She will be buried with full state honours at Chandrima Udyan beside the grave of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at 3:30pm. Khaleda Zia led the BNP for 41 years and earned the title of the ‘uncompromising leader’ during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. She served as a Member of Parliament five times -- Prime Minister three times and Leader of the Opposition twice. Read more: Jaishankar to represent India to pay last respect to ex-PM Khaleda Wednesday Starting her political journey as a homemaker, Khaleda spent much of her over four-decade political life on the streets, leading movements and facing arrests and imprisonment, but never leaving the country. She never lost an election she contested. The BNP chief had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including liver and kidney complications, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and infections. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened, her elder son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and other family members rushed to the hospital late Monday night. Shortly after 2:00am, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, told reporters that she was passing through an ‘extremely critical time’ and requested the nation to pray for her recovery. A few hours later, doctors declared her dead. Family members, including Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, the family of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, her siblings, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were present at the hospital at the time. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were seen in tears as the news broke. The news spread rapidly on social media, with people from all walks of life expressing grief. BNP leaders, activists and supporters gathered outside the hospital in large numbers. Read more: Khaleda Zia: 41 years at BNP’s helm - an uncompromising leader At around 9am, the head of the medical board Prof Shahabuddin Talukder said with a choked voice that the medical team tried their best for more than a month, but Khaleda Zia was declared clinically dead at 6:00am. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the loss is ‘irreparable’ and something the nation would never be able to overcome. Govt’s Reactions Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had called him to express condolences. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of Khaleda. As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges and Quran khatam and prayers will be held nationwide during the period. Condolence books were opened at BNP’s central office, Chairperson’s Gulshan office and other party offices across the country. Read more: Top foreign dignitaries to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral An emergency meeting of the Advisory Council was held in the afternoon, where Mirza Fakhrul attended as a special guest. The meeting began with a minute’s silence, and decisions were taken regarding state mourning and funeral arrangements. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the country would remain unforgettable. The BNP Standing Committee also held an emergency meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman. BNP offices at Naya Paltan, Gulshan and elsewhere witnessed emotional scenes as leaders and supporters broke down in tears. Tarique’s Tributes Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute to Khaleda, remembering her as a tender and loving mother who was also a steadfast guardian for her family and the nation. “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. Read more: Vehicular movement to be restricted while Khaleda Zia’s body transported in city To many, he said, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the ‘Mother of Democracy’, the ‘Mother of Bangladesh’. “To me, Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy,” he said. Though her life was illuminated by sacrifice and struggle, Tarique said at home Khaleda was their truest guardian, a mother whose infinite love gave them strength in their darkest moments. He said Khaleda endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution. “Yet even in pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience was not loud, but it was unbreakable.” For the country, Tarique said she lost her husband and lost her child. “In that loss, this nation and its people became her family, her purpose, her very soul. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance, a legacy that will live on in the democratic conscience of Bangladesh.” Khaleda’s Legacy Khaleda Zia leaves behind a legacy as a steadfast leader, a symbol of resilience and patriotism, and one of the most influential states persons in Bangladesh’s history. History rarely announces its chosen figures in advance. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has proven it. Her life was a testament to resilience, determination and leadership, marked by an unwavering commitment to democracy and deep patriotism. Read more: Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise Starting as a homemaker, she entered politics seven months after the assassination of her husband, late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and rose to become Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in less than a decade. Over a political career spanning nearly 43 years, she faced personal tragedies, imprisonment and political turbulence, yet remained a steadfast leader and a unifying symbol of democracy in Bangladesh. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for 41 consecutive years as its chairperson, shaping not only her own remarkable political journey but also the course of the nation’s turbulent politics. Khaleda Zia, who entered politics with no prior political experience following the assassination of her husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in 1981, went on to shape a remarkable 43-year political journey. Analysts describe her as a charismatic and uncompromising leader. She led a long struggle against military rule under HM Ershad, forming a seven-party alliance that played a key role in his fall. Her political journey was not without hardships. She endured imprisonment, family tragedies—including the deaths of her husband and younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko—and repeated political harassment. Read more: BNP to open condolence book for Khaleda Zia at Gulshan office Even when the army-backed government in 2007 offered her opportunities to return to power or to go abroad, she firmly refused, saying that Bangladesh was her only home and the place where she wished to live until her death. Through this stance, she emerged as a symbol of resilience, integrity and national unity. Khaleda Zia was also known for her pragmatic approach. She supported dialogue and compromise when necessary, including the introduction of a neutral caretaker government system into the constitution, even when initially opposed within her party. She skillfully led BNP through multiple alliances, protests and elections, balancing strategic decisions with her principles. From Putul to Unifying Figure Born on August 15, 1945, as Khaleda Khan and nicknamed ‘Putul’ by her family, she married Ziaur Rahman in 1960 and became a widow at 36, raising her two sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, while gradually emerging as a decisive political leader. Throughout her leadership of BNP, Khaleda Zia earned respect not only from her followers but also across political parties. Analysts describe her as a unifying figure, a champion of democracy, and a symbol of perseverance who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape, paving the way for women to lead at the highest level. Read more: Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to heart and lung infections and passed away at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. She was nominated for three constituencies—Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7—for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, although her party also fielded alternative candidates in view of her critical health condition.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon (December 31, 2025). “We, the Standing Committee, have decided that her Janaza will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00 pm at the field of the South Plaza of the Parliament House and across the entire area of Manik Mia Avenue,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday, he also said the Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will lead the Janaza. Read more: Preparations underway at Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral Fakhrul said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the Janaza proceedings. Following the Janaza, he said, Khaleda Zia will be buried beside the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s proclaimer of independence, and introducer of multi-party democracy, popularly known as ‘Rakhal Raja’. Fakhrul urged all those intending to join the janaza to maintain strict discipline during the janaza and burial, requesting that no one disrupt the ceremony or move forward for photographs, and emphasised the importance of showing respect and preserving the solemnity of the occasion. He also called for prayers to the Almighty Allah for Khaleda Zia’s soul, seeking that she be granted a place in Jannah. The BNP leader also urged all to pray that Allah gives the Zia family, especially her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the strength to fulfill the responsibilities for the country and bear this grief. Read more: Condolences pour in for Khaleda Zia as nation mourns Fakhrul said the government has already declared three days of mourning, with tomorrow announced as a holiday. “You also know that the Prime Adviser has spoken to the nation, and we thank the government for their full cooperation.” Besides, he said, BNP has declared seven days of mourning. “During these seven days, we will wear black badges and raise black flags. Prayers and Quran recitations will be held at all party offices.” Earlier, the BNP Standing Committee held a meeting at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. After being under medical treatment for over a month, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at 6 am on Tuesday. Read more: Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom. "With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Read more: Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation’s history, and her resilience has inspired its people. "She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said. The Communist Party of China will continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly ties with the BNP under your leadership, said the Ambassador. "Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the Ambassador. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) expressed profound sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. "With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death," said Prof Yunus in a condolence message. He said Khaleda Zia was not merely a political leader, but an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. “In recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions, and the deep sentiment of the people toward her, the government declared her a person of great national importance earlier this month,” he added. Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The Chief Adviser said that her role in establishing democracy, nurturing a multiparty political culture and safeguarding people’s rights would be remembered with respect. He said through her firm and uncompromising leadership, the nation repeatedly found inspiration to overcome undemocratic conditions. "Her contributions to the country and its people will remain etched in national memory." Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and unwavering resolve consistently guided the nation toward welfare and democratic values, Prof Yunus said. "With her death, Bangladesh has lost an experienced, tested, and influential statesperson," he said. Prof Yunus recalled that Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the struggle to restore democracy during periods of authoritarian rule. Entering politics in 1982 following the assassination of her husband, former President, Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, she rose from a homemaker to a central figure in national politics. Her decisive leadership played a pivotal role in ending the nine-year autocratic rule of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, helping to restore democratic governance in the country. The Chief Adviser highlighted several of her landmark initiatives, noting that many of her policies carried the nation forward. In particular, the introduction of free education and stipend programs for girls is widely regarded as a milestone in advancing women’s education in Bangladesh. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away He said Begum Khaleda Zia’s political career was marked by notable electoral success, having been elected from multiple parliamentary constituencies between 1991 and 2001, and winning all seats she contested in the 2008 general election. Following her assumption of office in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the national economy through economic liberalization and reform-oriented policies, the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus described Begum Khaleda Zia as a powerful symbol of struggle and resistance during what he termed the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Her steadfast stance, he said, inspired the nation throughout a prolonged period of political adversity. He also stated that she became a victim of severe political vendetta due to her success and influence. “She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in what were widely viewed as false and fabricated cases and spent a prolonged period in incarceration,” he said. The Chief Adviser extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. On this day of irreparable national loss, he called upon citizens to remain calm and patient, and urged everyone to offer prayers and supplications for the departed leader from their respective positions. Read more: BNP announces 7-day mourning programme

BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of its Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a media briefing on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges during the period. Chief Adviser calls, council  of advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The party will also open condolence books at all its offices including the central office at Nayapaltan and the chairperson’s office in Gulshan to allow people to pay their respects. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters that the programmes announced were preliminary and tmore programmes would be declared later. The BNP also said that decisions regarding Khaleda Zia’s janaza and burial would be announced in due course. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called BNP leaders to inform them that the Council of Advisers will discuss issues, including state honour and burial arrangements for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing at Evercare Hospital, Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser would place the matter before a meeting of the Council of Advisers scheduled for 10:00am. He said the decisions taken would later be coordinated with the government’s programmes. Fakhrul also said a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee would be held. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death “The mother of democracy and our national guardian left us at 6:00am. This loss is irreparable. The nation will not be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the people and that her death has created a political vacuum in the country. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, 80, breathed her last at 6:00am on Tuesday (Dec 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 30th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 93 at 9:10am this morning (December 30, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ referring to a light health threat, according to the AQI index. India’s Delhi, China’s Wuhan and India’s Kolkata occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 298, 188 and 183 respectively. Read more: Air pollution: 5 ways to protect yourself from poor air quality When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In a post shared on the social media platform Facebook on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025), the Jamaat Ameer prayed for Khaleda Zia. Khaleda Zia, former PM and Bangladesh's tallest leader, passes away In his message, the Jamaat Ameer said “May the Almighty Allah, gave mercy on BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, forgive her and accept her as a guest in His beloved Paradise. May Almighty Allah grant patience and steadfastness to her family, loved ones, Amen.” The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Read more: Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians

The long, turbulent and towering journey of Khaleda Zia — three-time former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — came to a solemn end on Tuesday morning at the age of 80. The chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area since November 23. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, and ailments affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and eyes. She has been under medical care for these conditions for several years. Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. Even as her frail condition worsened, those close to her recall a woman who held on with the same resolve that once defined her political life. Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians For supporters, her passing marks the end of an era — a painful goodbye to a matriarch who shaped oppositional politics for decades. For others, it seals the chapter on a figure whose legacy will forever spark debate. But for Bangladesh, the departure of Khaleda Zia leaves behind a silence — one heavy with history, conf “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” Fakhrul said, his voice choked with emotion. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of a medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She had been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7 — for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh politics. She was known for her firm commitment to democracy and her significant contributions to national politics and governance. She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Khaleda had long been suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart and eye problems. Since her conditional release in 2020, she had been receiving regular treatment under a medical board led by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death In June 2022, she suffered a heart attack caused by a 95 percent blockage in her left artery. A stent was placed to remove the blockage. Doctors detected two more blocks, but they could not be removed due to her fragile health. On June 23, 2024, specialist doctors led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder implanted a pacemaker in her chest. During the Awami League government, her doctors repeatedly recommended sending her abroad after she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. Despite the severity of her condition, she was not granted permission to travel, as the government cited legal complications relating to her convictions. On October 26, 2023, as her condition worsened, a group of US specialist doctors performed a TIPS procedure to stop water accumulation in her abdomen and chest and to prevent bleeding caused by liver complications. On August 6, 2024, a day after the fall of the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia was fully freed through an order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin, clearing the way for her overseas treatment. After a tearful reunion with her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at London’s Heathrow Airport — their first meeting in more than seven years — she was taken directly to the London Clinic. She received treatment there for 17 days under a medical board led by liver specialist Professor John Patrick Kennedy. After being discharged on January 25, she moved to Tarique Rahman’s residence, where she continued treatment under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Jennifer Cross. She celebrated Eid in London with her family for the first time in more than six years. On May 6, she returned home on a Qatari royal air ambulance, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman. The return followed nearly four months of advanced treatment in London and drew a large and emotional public reception. Since her return, Khaleda had been under the care of a medical board and her personal physicians at her Gulshan residence. She was also hospitalised at Evercare on several occasions. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia led a simple early life before her marriage to General Ziaur Rahman, who would later become President of Bangladesh. She played a supportive role during the 1971 Liberation War. After Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, she entered politics. She became BNP Chairperson in 1984 and held the position for nearly four decades. She became a central figure in the movement against military ruler HM Ershad, earning wide respect for her steadfast and uncompromising commitment to democracy. Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. On 20 March 1991, She was sworn in as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. She played a key role in reintroducing the parliamentary system of government, replacing the presidential system. The 12th constitutional amendment, which she piloted, was passed by the Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August 1991, and Khaleda Zia took oath under the new parliamentary system on 19 September 1991. During her first term (1991–1996), her government made significant progress in education, including introducing free and compulsory primary education, tuition-free schooling for girls up to class ten, stipends for female students, and the Food for Education program. Her administration also promoted nationwide tree plantation campaigns and initiated the construction of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. On the regional front, Khaleda Zia revitalised the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by hosting a summit in Dhaka in 1993. However, her first term was also marked by political challenges. Opposition parties, including the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami, launched movements demanding a neutral caretaker government to oversee parliamentary elections, creating significant political unrest. Khaleda Zia was re-elected for a second consecutive term after BNP’s victory in the 6th Jatiya Sangsad elections on 15 February 1996, although all major opposition parties boycotted the polls. To address demands for a caretaker system, the 6th Jatiya Sangsad passed the 13th constitutional amendment. Khaleda subsequently handed over power to a caretaker government on 30 March 1996. In the elections held under Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman’s caretaker administration on 12 June 1996, the BNP was defeated by the Awami League. Between 1996 and 2001, she served as Leader of the Opposition. In the October 1, 2001 election, held under a neutral caretaker government, Khaleda Zia’s BNP-led alliance won a landslide victory, and she took office as Prime Minister for the third time on October 10. During her third term, her government oversaw a significant rise in export earnings and remittances from Bangladeshi workers abroad. The industrial and telecommunications sectors grew steadily, and foreign direct investment gradually increased. Her administration also took major steps to improve law and order, including launching Operation Clean Heart and creating the Rapid Action Battalion. There was a strong crackdown on Islamic extremist groups, including the JMB and HUJI. Her administration faced ongoing criticism over allegations of corruption and political unrest. Khaleda Zia held the unique record of winning from five constituencies in different elections and never personally losing any seat. Khaleda Zia left office on 28 October 2006. In the subsequent Ninth Jatiya Sangsad election on 29 December 2008, held under the two-year caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, her party won only 30 seats. During the caretaker government period in 2007–2008, several corruption cases were filed against her. On September 3, 2007, she was arrested on corruption charges and spent nearly a year in detention before her release on September 11, 2008. After a heavy defeat in the December 2008 election, she again became Leader of the Opposition. She continued her push for electoral reforms after the abolition of the caretaker system in 2011. Her political activities faced restrictions, including confinement to her house and office before the 2014 election, which BNP boycotted. In 2014, her Gulshan office was blocked by sand trucks for weeks, limiting her ability to protest. She remained in her office for 92 days. During this time, she could not even attend the funeral of her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, due to arrest warrants issued in graft cases. Her family members gradually moved abroad after 2008, leaving her largely isolated as she battled both legal and health challenges. On February 8, 2018, she was jailed after being sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. The High Court later extended her sentence to 10 years, and she was also convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust case. She was released on March 25, 2020, on humanitarian grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was restricted to her home and barred from leaving the country. On August 6, 2024, Khaleda Zia was fully freed after President Mohammed Shahabuddin, exercising his authority under Article 49 of the Constitution, exempted her from all remaining sentences. She made her first public appearance in six years at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on November 21, 2024, and attended the same event again this year, just two days before being admitted to hospital. Khaleda Zia is remembered as an uncompromising champion of democracy. In 1986, when major political parties joined the election under military ruler Ershad, she boycotted it, refusing to legitimise an autocratic regime. Even when the army-backed government later tried to negotiate, offered her ways to return to power, and attempted to send her abroad, she firmly refused. She said Bangladesh was her only home and she would never leave her country or her people. Her resolve was also clear in 2017. Although she could have stayed in the UK as convictions in what she described as “false cases” loomed, she returned to Dhaka knowing she would likely be jailed. Six months later, she indeed went to prison. Such decisions defined her character — a leader who never compromised on principles, never surrendered to authoritarian pressure, and never abandoned her people. Khaleda Zia was an icon of unity, widely respected and accepted not only by the people but also by leaders across most political parties. Khaleda in critical condition, undergoing challenging treatment phase: Dr Zahid During times of national crisis, she brought people together and guided the nation through challenging periods. Her broad acceptance was evident when she was admitted to the hospital: leaders from numerous political parties visited to inquire about her condition, many publicly expressed concern, and offered prayers for her recovery. Social media was also flooded with messages and well-wishes, reflecting the deep respect and affection she commanded across the country. Her journey of life — from a private homemaker to a defining figure in national politics — reflects her unwavering dedication to public service, even though personal tragedy, political turbulence and prolonged imprisonment. Her legacy will continue to shape Bangladesh’s democratic history.