Farewell from the symbol of uncompromising: How Khaleda Zia became the 'uncompromising leader' of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is no more. (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un). She breathed her last at around 6:30 am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at the capital's Evercare Hospital. Her death brought to an end a long, turbulent and important chapter in Bangladeshi politics.

Atiqur Rahman Rumon, a member of the BNP's media cell, first confirmed the news of Khaleda Zia's death. Later, Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the party's standing committee, said that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman called her and said, "Amma is no more." Family members were by her side at the time of her death. She surrendered to the ultimate truth of life after failing all the efforts of doctors after suffering from a serious illness for a long time.

The party has informed that her funeral may be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Top figures from the political, social and cultural spheres are likely to attend this national funeral.

Childhood, education and family life

Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1945 in Dinajpur. Although there are various differences of opinion in the political arena regarding the date of birth. Her father is Iskander Majumdar and mother is Taiba Begum. She was the third of five siblings. In her childhood, her name was Khaleda Khanam, nicknamed 'Putul'. She studied at Dinajpur Government School and Surendranath College.

On August 5, 1960, she married Captain Ziaur Rahman, a then army officer. The couple had two sons—Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko. Koko died in Malaysia in 2015. Khaleda Zia passed away prematurely at the age of 36 when President Ziaur Rahman was martyred in 1981.

Entry into politics and rise to leadership

Khaleda Zia's political journey began by joining the BNP in 1982 after the death of President Ziaur Rahman. Within a very short time, she held important positions in the party. She rose from vice chairman to acting chairman and assumed the responsibility of BNP chairperson in 1984.

She became known nationwide as an 'uncompromising leader' by firmly leading the movement against the dictator Ershad. Her firm stance against military rule and uncompromising politics made her a leader of the masses.

Role of Prime Minister and Opposition Leader

After winning the 1991 parliamentary elections, Khaleda Zia assumed office as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second female Prime Minister in the Muslim world. Later, she was elected Prime Minister of the country twice more in 1996 and 2001. In addition to being the Prime Minister, she also played an important role as the Leader of the Opposition on several occasions.

During her long political career, she was vocal in favor of democracy, sovereignty and multi-party politics. To her supporters, she was a struggling leader, and to her political opponents, a symbol of a strong stance.

Imprisonment, illness and final days

A large part of Khaleda Zia's life was spent in prison and under political pressure. In 2018, she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust case and sent to prison. She was conditionally released in 2020 due to serious illness. Later, her sentence was commuted by the President's executive order.

In January this year, she went to London for treatment. Upon returning home, she suffered from age-related complications and multiple physical problems. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. After undergoing treatment for more than a month, she finally migrated to the country of no return.

The demise of this 'uncompromising leader', who led Bangladeshi politics for more than four decades, has left a deep void in the country's political arena. She will be remembered in history as a strong symbol of struggle, leadership and uncompromisingness.