In office for three terms, she traded the country’s leadership with Sheikh Hasina, the head of another political dynasty, over decades. She was believed to be 80.

Bangladesh has declared three days of national mourning for the demise of Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia.

She died at the age of 80 on Tuesday morning, suffering from multiple health conditions, including advanced liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and complications affecting her chest and heart, her doctors said.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday with full state honour. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, in a television broadcast to the nation, appealed to maintain discipline.”

“I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline while observing all forms of mourning, including the funeral prayers. I know you are all deeply emotional at this time,” Yunus said.