Today's Edition
DHAKA (AFP)
Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday aged 80, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said.
Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in elections set for February 2026.
The BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner.
In late November Zia was rushed to hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medics, her condition deteriorated from a raft of health issues.
Nevertheless, hours before her death, party workers had on Monday submitted nomination papers on her behalf for three constituencies for the polls.
"The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am (0000 GMT), just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer," the party said in a statement.
"We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul," it added.
Braving cold rain, mourners gathered on Tuesday morning outside the hospital in Dhaka where Zia's body rests.
During her final days, interim leader Muhammad Yunus called for the nation to pray for Zia.
There had been plans earlier this month to fly her on a special air ambulance to London, but her condition was not stable enough.
Her son Rahman will lead the party through the February 12 general election.
Bangladesh's Prothom Alo newspaper reported that Rahman and other family members were by her side at the time of her death.
