Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s First Woman Prime Minister, Passes Away

Dhaka — Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern politics, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said.

Zia passed away early in the morning at a private hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for several weeks. According to party officials, her condition worsened overnight and she died shortly after dawn prayers. She had been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.

Born in 1945, Khaleda Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She later took charge of the BNP and rose to national prominence during a period of political unrest and military rule. In 1991, she became prime minister, leading the country back to parliamentary democracy.

Zia served as prime minister three times and remained a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for more than three decades. Her fierce rivalry with Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina dominated national politics, often leading to protests, strikes and deep political divisions. Together, the two women shaped Bangladesh’s political landscape for years.

Despite her influence, Zia’s later years were marked by legal troubles and declining health. She was jailed on corruption charges in 2018 but was later released on medical grounds. Earlier this year, courts overturned key convictions against her, according to Dawn.

Tribune reported that Zia’s son, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, recently returned to Bangladesh after years in exile, a move seen as significant ahead of the country’s next general election.

Tributes poured in from party leaders and supporters, who described her as a symbol of resilience and resistance. The BNP announced days of mourning and prayer services across the country.

Khaleda Zia’s death ends an era in Bangladesh’s politics, closing the chapter on a leader whose career was marked by power, controversy and lasting impact.

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