Bangladesh is currently in a state of turmoil, with violent unrest leading to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In the wake of this upheaval, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has ordered the release of imprisoned opposition leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The decision was reached during a meeting with opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, the heads of the navy and air force, and senior leaders from the opposition parties. At least 56 people lost their lives during the violent protests that erupted on Monday following the prime minister’s removal.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has been provided with security by Indian forces and moved to a safe location after a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and senior military officials at the Hindon Airbase. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and other security agencies are safeguarding her.
Who is Khaleda Zia?
Khaleda Zia, 78, is a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics and a staunch opponent of Sheikh Hasina. She leads the BNP, the main opposition party in the country. Zia made history as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991, marking the beginning of her political career following the assassination of her husband, Ziaur Rahman. Rahman served as President from 1977 to 1981 and established the BNP in 1978.
Zia has faced numerous health challenges throughout her career and has frequently travelled abroad for medical treatments. In 2018, she was imprisoned following a corruption conviction, which she claimed was politically motivated.
Zia served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006. In 2007, the January elections were postponed due to widespread political violence, leading to a military takeover of the caretaker government.
During Zia’s tenure as Prime Minister (2001-2005), Bangladesh was ranked as the most corrupt country in the world according to the Corruption Perceptions Index. In 2006, the caretaker government charged Zia, along with her two sons, with corruption.
Zia’s husband, Ziaur Rahman, the former President of Bangladesh, was assassinated on May 30, 1981. Zia entered the political arena after her husband’s death and joined the BNP on January 2, 1982.
