Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Dies at 80; Son Tarique Faces New Role

• Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister and BNP chairperson, passed away at 80 after a prolonged illness.
• She led the BNP since 1984 after her husband Zia ur Rahman's assassination, serving as PM for two terms (1991-96, 2001-06).
• Her career was marked by a fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, corruption charges, and her role as a polarizing yet influential figure.
• Her death comes ahead of February 12 polls, with her son Tarique Rahman, recently returned from exile, expected to lead BNP.
• Zia's passing removes a unifying figure, potentially complicating Tarique Rahman's task of managing internal party divisions.

Why It Matters: Khaleda Zia's death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh politics, shifting BNP's future to her son Tarique Rahman.