Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister, has died at the age of 79 or 80 (reports vary), following a prolonged illness. She was a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for decades and serving as Prime Minister for three terms. Her death is newsworthy due to her significant impact on the country's political landscape and the end of an era. Recent events include a state funeral in Dhaka that drew massive crowds, reflecting her widespread influence. Her passing also raises questions about the future of the BNP, particularly the role of her son, Tarique Rahman, who has returned to Bangladesh after years in exile and is expected to lead the party in upcoming elections. The potential for a thaw in relations between India and the BNP, and even a possible dialogue between India and Pakistan in the wake of her funeral, further underscores her enduring relevance and the shifting dynamics in the region.