Begum Zia Passes into Eternity, Virtual Skies Overwhelmed with Grief

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has passed away after undergoing intensive medical treatment under close supervision for 37 consecutive days at a hospital. Since the news of her death broke, the virtual space has been overwhelmed with grief and condolence messages.

A post published at 5:30 am on the BNP’s verified Facebook page sent shockwaves across the country. Through a “Good Morning Bangladesh” photo card, the party announced with continuous prayers:
“BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister, Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am, shortly after Fajr prayers. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to pray for her departed soul.”

Soon after, a single message echoed across voices and platforms: “the end of an era” and “the fall of one of the brightest stars in Bangladesh’s political firmament.”

Social media platforms were flooded with condolence posts in red and black backdrops, with netizens praying for her eternal peace. From the very beginning of the day, online news portals were dominated by headlines on her demise. Television channels and digital platforms, including YouTube, began live broadcasts focusing on her life and political legacy.

Begum Khaleda Zia, widely known as the “Leader of Mother, Soil and People,” breathed her last at 6:00 am on Tuesday (December 30) while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. With the passing of the country’s first woman Prime Minister and a three-time head of government, Bangladesh has lost one of its most prominent political leaders. She was 80 years old.

According to available information, the interim government chief has convened an emergency meeting to arrange a dignified state farewell for the former Prime Minister, often referred to as Deshnetri. The BNP has announced a seven-day mourning period. Her janaza may be held on Wednesday (December 30) at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, after which she is expected to be laid to rest at Zia Udyan, beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman.

Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 for advanced medical treatment. The news of her death was confirmed early in the morning by the head of the medical team, Dr Shahabuddin Talukder. Soon after the announcement, party leaders and activists began gathering outside the hospital in large numbers.

DBTech/IH/OR