New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, died on Tuesday, December 30, after suffering from prolonged illness. She was 80.

Begum Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at 6 am, according to a statement issued by her party.

The two-time former Prime Minister's death comes at a crucial time in Bangladesh's democratic history. Her son, Tarique Rahman, widely considered the front-runner to be the next prime minister of Bangladesh, returned to the country after 17 years in exile ahead of landmark general elections in Bangladesh.

Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, is expected to become the country's new leader if the BNP emerges as the largest party.

Rahm...