"BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday while suffering from multiple chronic ailments, as she underwent treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Footage shows dozens of mourners and BNP supporters gathering outside Evercare Hospital, with police and security forces setting up barbed-wire barricades near the entrance. "She was an uncompromising leader. She always wanted to restore democracy by loving this country and supporting the people," said one of the mourners. "Her only wish was that peace and order should be maintained among the people and a democratic state should be established," said another Zia's supporter. Others recalled her refusal to leave the country during political turmoil. "Despite having the opportunity to live a luxurious life, she endured torture and imprisonment for the sake of a democratic Bangladesh, for the sake of the people of the country. She sacrificed her life for the country," said a mourner. Following the news, Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed profound sorrow, calling Zia a 'source of utmost inspiration' for the nation. Her rival, Sheikh Hasina, also issued a statement, calling Khaleda's death a 'profound loss for the political landscape.' The interim government announced three days of national mourning following Zia's death. Khaleda Zia was taken to the hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties and has been on life support after her condition deteriorated. Zia remains in the Coronary Care Unit and may be transferred abroad for treatment on Sunday if stable.  In January, Khaleda Zia went to London for advanced treatment, where she received care first at a hospital and then at her son's home. She returned to the country on May 6.  Zia was the first female prime minister of the South Asian nation and held office for three terms. Despite being ill, she vowed to campaign for the next general elections in February 2026, with her BNP party widely seen as a frontrunner."