Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, one of the most influential and controversial political figures in the history of Bangladesh, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Her death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, which for decades was shaped by her intense rivalry with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Khaleda Zia was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which confirmed her death in an official statement. As the first woman elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, she broke significant political barriers and left a lasting imprint on the nation’s democratic journey. Following her death, Bangladesh’s interim government announced a three-day period of national mourning as a mark of respect. A general holiday was declared on Wednesday, the day her funeral prayers are scheduled to be held in front of the country’s national Parliament building in Dhaka. The government also announced that Khaleda Zia would be buried with full state honours beside her late husband, former President General Ziaur Rahman, who played a key role in Bangladesh’s early political history. Thousands of supporters and political leaders are expected to attend her final rites. Khaleda Zia served multiple terms as Prime Minister and was widely known for her strong leadership and firm political stance. Her tenure was marked by significant political achievements as well as controversies. Despite facing legal challenges and long periods of imprisonment on corruption charges, her supporters maintained that the cases against her were politically motivated. In January this year, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court acquitted her in the final corruption case, restoring her political legacy to some extent. Leaders from across the political spectrum expressed condolences on her passing. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her contributions to the country’s development and to India–Bangladesh relations would always be remembered. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus also paid tribute, stating that her role in establishing democracy, strengthening a multi-party political culture, and advocating for the rights of the people would be remembered forever. Khaleda Zia’s death closes a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, leaving behind a complex but enduring legacy.