Crowds filled Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue as mourners headed towards Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral.

With Khaleda Zia’s passing, Bangladesh has lost a towering political figure whose calm restraint often stood in stark contrast to the country’s bruising, combative political culture.

It was the night of February 27, 1991. After a full day of voting, the streets were pulsing with excitement. People at home, in shops, at tea stalls were glued to their television and radio sets. They waited for one announcement.

Twenty-three contests. Twenty-three victories. No losses.

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.