In a dramatic turn of events in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been released from years of house arrest, just a day after her rival, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted from power. The release has ignited a flurry of political activity and commentary, reflecting the deep-seated enmity that has long characterized Bangladeshi politics.
The Political Shake-Up
Khaleda Zia, 78, who had been under house arrest following her conviction for corruption in 2018, was freed after Sheikh Hasina, 76, was forced out of office on Monday amid massive protests. The protests saw demonstrators break into Hasina’s residence, leading to the intervention of the military, which declared its intention to form an interim government. The release of Zia and other prisoners from the protests followed these developments.
Zia’s release was confirmed by Bangladesh National Party (BNP) spokesman AKM Wahiduzzaman, who stated, “She is now freed.” Zia, who has been struggling with health issues including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis, is expected to remain in the country, though her political future remains uncertain.
Historical Rivalry
The rivalry between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina is often referred to in Bangladesh as the “Battle of Begums,” a term denoting their intense and longstanding political feud. The animosity between the two leaders dates back to the 1970s, deeply rooted in the violent political history of the nation.
The feud’s origins trace back to the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, in a 1975 military coup. Rahman’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who was later to become Prime Minister, and her family were brutally killed in the coup. Zia’s late husband, Ziaur Rahman, the then-deputy army chief, subsequently took control of the country, initiating a period of significant economic recovery but also facing a tragic end in a 1981 military coup.
Following her husband’s death, Khaleda Zia emerged as a prominent political figure. Despite initial skepticism about her political acumen, she proved to be a formidable opponent, leading the BNP and challenging successive governments. Her leadership was marked by both economic progress and allegations of corruption, particularly during her second term.
Power Struggles and Allegations
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The mutual distrust between Zia and Hasina has fueled political turmoil and numerous crises in Bangladesh. Their rivalry came to a head in January 2007, when a severe political crisis led the military to impose emergency rule and establish a caretaker government. Both leaders were detained for over a year, exacerbating the tension between their parties.
In the subsequent elections of December 2008, Sheikh Hasina’s landslide victory allowed her to consolidate power and dominate the political landscape. Her tenure saw a crackdown on BNP members and allegations of widespread human rights abuses. In contrast, Zia faced legal battles and imprisonment, with her corruption conviction in 2018 seen by many as politically motivated.
Zia’s BNP has always contended that the charges against her were a deliberate attempt to undermine her family’s political legacy. Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who led the party from exile, was also convicted in absentia on charges related to a 2004 bomb attack on a Hasina rally—a case the BNP claims was another politically motivated move against the Zia family.
Impact and Future Prospects
The current political upheaval, marked by Hasina’s abrupt departure and Zia’s release, has sparked questions about the future of Bangladeshi politics. The interim government, formed by the military, faces the challenge of navigating the deeply divided political landscape and addressing the grievances of the protestors.
As Khaleda Zia steps back into the public arena, her health and the political dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the BNP and the broader political climate in Bangladesh. The ongoing rivalry between Zia and Hasina continues to be a defining feature of the nation’s political narrative, influencing its stability and governance.
The next steps for both Zia and the interim government will be closely watched as Bangladesh navigates this significant period of political transition.
