Bangladesh's First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies At 80; Son Tarique Rahman Leads Mourning

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has passed away at 80 in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. Her death comes just days after her son and political heir, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile to a massive welcome. India Today’s Editor Indrajeet Kundu reports that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is now the front-runner for the February 12 elections, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Highlighting the political implications, Kundu notes that while tragic, her death 'opens the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to, in a sense, start a new life' and gain emotional support. The report also details the BNP's split with Jamaat-e-Islami and the party's resilience during the Awami League regime.