Bangladesh's First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies at 80; Son Tarique Rahman to Lead BNP

In this special report, an India Today correspondent analyzes the seismic shift in Bangladesh politics following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at 80. The speaker notes that her passing 'closes the chapter of the most dominant political leader' and paves the way for her son, Tarique Rahman, to take full control of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With elections scheduled for February 12, the report highlights how the BNP aims to consolidate sympathy votes while Sheikh Hasina remains in exile in India. The discussion also touches on the end of the 'bipolar polity' defined by the Zia-Hasina rivalry.