The international community is united in grief following the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The influential political leader, who served as the country's first woman prime minister, died at the age of 78, prompting an outpouring of tributes from heads of state and governments across the globe.
Global Outpouring of Condolences
Leaders from neighboring India and beyond have expressed their profound sorrow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Khaleda Zia's contributions to Bangladesh's development and the enduring ties between the two nations. His message highlighted the deep respect held for the late leader.
Further afield, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of sympathy to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. In his message, President Putin praised Khaleda Zia as a distinguished stateswoman whose work significantly strengthened the friendly relations between Russia and Bangladesh. He conveyed his sincere condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.
The sentiment was echoed by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also offered his condolences to the Bangladeshi President. He recognized Khaleda Zia's dedicated service to her nation and her role in fostering regional cooperation.
A Life in Politics and a Complex Legacy
Khaleda Zia's political journey was deeply intertwined with the history of Bangladesh. She entered politics following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She later rose to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was founded by her late husband.
Her tenure as prime minister was marked by significant economic reforms and infrastructure projects. She served three non-consecutive terms: from 1991 to 1996, 2001 to 2006, and a brief caretaker period in 1996. As the first woman to lead the country, she broke barriers and became a central figure in Bangladesh's often turbulent political landscape.
However, her later years were clouded by legal challenges. She was convicted on corruption charges in 2018 and sentenced to prison. Due to her deteriorating health, she was released from jail in 2020 under a government executive order, which stipulated she receive medical care in Dhaka and not travel abroad.
An Enduring Impact on Bangladesh and Beyond
The death of Khaleda Zia marks the end of an era in South Asian politics. For decades, she was a formidable force, leading the BNP and shaping the nation's democratic process through both her governance and her role as the primary opposition leader. Her rivalry with current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina defined much of the country's contemporary political narrative.
The global reaction to her passing underscores her stature as a significant regional leader. The condolences from major world powers reflect the diplomatic relationships she helped cultivate during her time in office. Her legacy is complex, encompassing both pioneering leadership and controversy, but her impact on the trajectory of Bangladesh is undeniable.
As Bangladesh mourns, the focus turns to her legacy and the future of the political party she led for so long. The widespread international mourning confirms that Khaleda Zia was a figure whose influence extended far beyond her nation's borders.
