UNCOMPROMISING SUN SETS: Begum Khaleda Zia’s Legacy and Dawn of a New Era

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Begum Khaleda Zia, the ‘Uncompromising’ Living Legend, Passes Away at 80-The heart of Bangladesh has skipped a beat. (Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.) Begum Khaleda Zia—former Prime Minister, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the undisputed "Mother of Democracy" for millions—has breathed her last, Daily Dazzling Dawn confirmed.

At 80,Bangladesh's first woman prime minister and the most respected living legend of Bangladeshi politics passed away at 6:02 AM Bangladesh time on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her passing was confirmed to Daily Dazzling Dawn by her former Press Secretary, Journalist Maruf Kamal Khan.

In the annals of Bangladeshi politics, few figures command as much reverence and awe as Begum Khaleda Zia, a leader whose legacy is defined by an unparalleled blend of sophistication, grace, and an uncompromising spirit. She stood alone in her era as a politician who personified modern leadership while remaining deeply rooted in her unwavering commitment to her homeland. Even in the face of debilitating illness and the agonizing separation from her family, she chose the soil of Bangladesh over the comfort of exile, solidifying her status as a leader who would never abandon her people.

Her political journey is a masterclass in resilience and strategic brilliance. While her husband, Ziaur Rahman, transitioned from the military to the presidency during a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, Khaleda Zia’s rise was entirely different. Emerging from the quiet life of a traditional homemaker, she entered the turbulent arena of opposition politics, navigating internal party fractures and external pressures with sheer iron will. She did not merely survive; she thrived, unifying her party and leading them to the seat of power time and again.

Perhaps her most remarkable attribute was her inclusive approach to governance and her ability to build broad political coalitions. Her personal popularity frequently transcended the institutional reach of her party, the BNP, making her a singular force in the hearts of millions. To many, she was not just a party chairperson, but a national icon whose charisma and steadfastness set a benchmark that remains unmatched in contemporary politics.

Many are currently debating the decision to have appeared publicly amidst such a large crowd while battling severe illness—a moment that proved to be the final turning point in their health. Questions are being raised regarding the necessity and justification of that appearance under such fragile circumstances. However, today, they have transcended all such earthly scrutiny and debate.

While the gravity of her critical condition was widely known, a flicker of hope remained that she might once again defy the odds. Tragically, that final recovery was not to be.

The passing of the former Prime Minister has cast a profound mantle of grief across the nation’s political landscape and the global Bangladeshi diaspora. In a somber outpouring of mourning, thousands of emotional party faithful have converged upon Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed informed journalists that the funeral prayer (Janaza) for Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue.

Admitted on November 23 with severe lung and heart infections, her condition had been described by doctors as "extremely critical" for weeks. She passed away surrounded by the prayers of a nation and in the presence of her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who had recently returned to her side. Her death marks the end of a titanic chapter in South Asian history—one defined by resilience, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to her people.

The British Bangladeshi Connection: A Shared Bond-For the British Bangladeshi community, Begum Zia was more than a former head of state; she was a symbol of identity. Throughout her career, she visited the United Kingdom numerous times, most notably during her tenures as Prime Minister and later for medical treatment.

The UK served as a second home for her family’s struggle. Her son, Tarique Rahman, lived in London for over 17 years in exile, becoming a focal point for the diaspora’s political engagement. The streets of Whitechapel and Brick Lane often echoed with support for her, and the UK BNP remains one of the most robust wings of the party—a testament to her immense popularity among expatriates.

A Life of Unmatched Sacrifice-Khaleda Zia’s life was inextricably linked to the birth and struggle of Bangladesh. She was the widow of the late Shahid President Ziaur Rahman, the valiant Sector Commander and 'Z-Force' Chief who famously declared the Independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Following his tragic assassination in 1981, Khaleda picked up the mantle of the BNP, transforming from a reserved housewife into a formidable political force.

Begum Khaleda Zia held an unparalleled record in Bangladesh’s parliamentary history: she emerged victorious in every single constituency she ever contested. From 1991 to 2001, she achieved the extraordinary feat of winning all five seats she contested in each general election. Even in the 2008 elections, she maintained her perfect record, securing victory in all three constituencies where her name appeared on the ballot.

Her personal life was also marred by profound tragedy. She lost her youngest son, Arafat Rahman Koko, in 2015 while he was in exile in Malaysia. Despite never being involved in politics, Koko faced what the party described as relentless "political persecution," eventually dying of a heart attack far from his mother’s reach.

While she lived to see her son ascend to the pinnacle of national politics, there is a profound cruelty in the timing of fate; though he returned to his homeland, he did not find his mother in a state to speak or share in the moment. Had time been kinder, she might have witnessed him take the country’s highest office. Indeed, had her health permitted, Begum Zia herself stood as a formidable candidate for the nation’s next Presidency. Instead, she has left all worldly possibilities behind, departing for her eternal rest.

Begum Zia’s role remains undeniable as a titan of Bangladeshi politics—a symbol of the movement against military rule, the restoration of democracy, and the empowerment of female leadership. With the departure of the three-time former Prime Minister, a monumental era in the country’s democratic history officially draws to a close.

The ‘Iron Lady’ Under Siege-The latter years of her life were defined by a bitter struggle against the government of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In what international observers termed a "politically motivated" move, the former administration imprisoned the aging leader in 2018.

From a damp cell in an old central jail to years of house arrest and restricted medical care, Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorated significantly. Yet, she remained "Uncompromising," refusing to bow to the pressures of the then-ruling Awami League, even as her physical strength failed.

The Return of the Heir: A Final Wish Fulfilled-In a cinematic turn of events, her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after nearly 18 years in London. Having survived horrific torture during the 1/11 military-backed caretaker government, his return was seen as the ultimate victory for the Zia family.

With a national election on the horizon and the BNP widely tipped to return to power, Khaleda Zia’s final wish was undoubtedly to see her son—the Acting Chairman of the party—return to his soil. While she lived to see him touch the ground of his motherland, she passed just before the threshold of the party’s potential return to governance.

Daily Dazzling Dawn’s Condolences-The entire team at Daily Dazzling Dawn, the voice of the British Bangladeshi community, expresses its deepest condolences.

"Today, we lose not just a politician, but a matriarch who stood as a bulwark against tyranny. Her connection to the UK diaspora was a bridge of hope for thousands. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and the millions of activists mourning this monumental loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace."