DHAKA- Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who many believed would sweep elections in 2026 to lead her country once again, died on Dec 30 aged 80, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said.

“The BNP chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6am (8am Singapore time), just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the party said in a statement.