Forever unyielding

This photo collage offers a glimpse into the turbulent yet defining political journey of late BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladesh's modern history. The images trace her across decades -- from moments of defiance during the 1980s pro-democracy movement against Hussain Muhammad Ershad's autocratic regime to unity with Sheikh Hasina, her future rival, that proved crucial in restoring democracy in 1990. The frames also capture her historic ascent as the nation's first female prime minister. Khaleda Zia's career is defined by resilience, confrontation, and an uncompromising stance. Her legacy is that of a leader whose story remains inseparable from the nation's democratic struggles.