Bangladesh: Begum Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on Tuesday. Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the country’s interim government, expressed his deep sorrow over her passing, calling her a “great guardian” of the country and a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s democratic history.

Yunus expressed his condolences on X, writing that he was “deeply saddened and grief-stricken” by the three-time former prime minister’s demise and that the nation has suffered an irreversible loss in her departure.

The statement said that Begum Khaleda Zia was more than just the head of a political party; she was a significant figure in Bangladesh’s history. It further said that her protracted political battle and the strong public opinion around her leadership will be respected.

Begum Khaleda Zia, who was 80 years old, passed away this morning while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Zia passed away just after the Fajr prayer, at approximately six in the morning (local time), according to a BNP statement posted on Facebook.

According to the BNP statement, “Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00 am, just after Fajr prayer,”

“We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul,” it said.

On November 23, Zia was sent to Evercare Hospital in the capital city of Dhaka due to a lung illness. The former prime minister has long suffered from a number of bodily conditions, including as diabetes, renal problems, liver cirrhosis, arthritis, and heart disease. Earlier this month, she was transferred to London for cutting-edge medical care. Even as Tarique Rahman, the son of Begum Zia, came this morning to pay his condolences to his late mother, a sizable throng gathered outside the hospital.

In the meanwhile, Mohammad Yunus noted that Khaleda Zia was named a Very, Very Important Person (VVIP) of the State earlier this month by the interim administration in honor of her political legacy, accomplishments, and leadership in the democratic revolution.

The Chief Advisor emphasized Khaleda Zia’s contribution in reestablishing democracy and promoting a multi-party political culture, stating that her unwavering leadership consistently motivated the country to overcome anti-democratic circumstances and recover civil freedoms.

He pointed out that when her husband, former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1982, Khaleda Zia joined politics and played a key part in overthrowing HM Ershad’s nine-year dictatorial dictatorship.

During her time as prime minister starting in 1991, Yunus also credited her with economic liberalization measures and historic initiatives like the introduction of free education and stipends for girls, which he called a turning point in the advancement of women’s education.

The Chief Adviser said that Khaleda Zia’s people-oriented leadership, unwavering commitment, and lengthy public life devoted to national welfare won her a permanent place in the nation’s history despite political disagreements.

Yunus urged Bangladeshis to maintain composure and patience while offering condolences to the departed family as well as BNP officials and activists. He asked people to offer prayers for the fallen leader.