Dhaka, Bangladesh : Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female head of government and longtime leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness in Dhaka.
Key Facts
- Death confirmed: The BNP announced that Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 a.m. on December 30, 2025, shortly after dawn prayers.
- Location: She died while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been admitted for advanced liver cirrhosis and other health complications.
- Political legacy: Zia served as Prime Minister three times between 1991 and 2006, becoming Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and a central figure in the country’s democratic transition.
- Family ties: She was the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the BNP, and mother of Tarique Rahman, who currently serves as acting party chief.
- Final moments: Close relatives, including Tarique Rahman, visited her in hospital hours before her passing.
Background and Legacy
Begum Khaleda Zia rose to prominence after the assassination of her husband in 1981. She became BNP chairperson and led the party to victory in 1991, ending years of military-backed rule. Her tenure was marked by economic reforms, infrastructure development, and fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League.
Zia’s political career was also marred by controversy. She faced corruption charges and was imprisoned during Hasina’s government. Despite her declining health, she remained a symbolic figure for the opposition, with her party continuing to challenge the ruling Awami League’s dominance.
Reactions
- BNP statement: The party described her as a “national leader” and pledged to honor her legacy.
- Public mourning: Supporters gathered outside the hospital and BNP offices, expressing grief and calling her death the “end of an era.”
- International condolences: Leaders across South Asia and beyond have sent messages of sympathy, recognizing her role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.
What Happens Next
- Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the BNP later today.
- Security has been tightened in Dhaka to manage crowds and prevent unrest.
- Political analysts suggest her death could reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics, with Tarique Rahman likely to assume a more prominent role.
Begum Khaleda Zia’s passing marks the end of a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. As the nation mourns, her legacy as the country’s first female Prime Minister and a central figure in its democratic struggles will remain deeply etched in memory.
