Dhaka, Dec. 30 -- One of the iconic figures in Bangladesh's political history, BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, known as an uncompromising leader, lifelong fighter and true patriot, passed away on Tuesday morning. She was 80.

Her long and turbulent political journey came to a solemn end at 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for 37 days.

"The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am," AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party's ICT Affairs Secretary, said early in the morning. Her death was later confirmed by the medical board and senior party leaders.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson," said BNP Secretary General Mir...