DHAKA, February 27, 2025 – Khaleda Zia, the frist female prime minister of Bangladesh and a towering figure in the nation’s often-turbulent politics, has died, her party announced Tuesday.She was 80 years old.
A Political Dynasty Defined by Rivalry
The death of Khaleda Zia marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, dominated for decades by her fierce rivalry with current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Khaleda Zia served as prime minister in two separate terms: 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.
- Her political career was marked by a decades-long rivalry with Sheikh Hasina,shaping the country’s democratic landscape.
- Zia faced numerous corruption allegations, but was acquitted in the final case against her in January 2025.
- She returned to Bangladesh in May after receiving medical treatment in the united kingdom.
“The BNP chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6am, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said in a statement. “We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul.”
What was Khaleda Zia’s impact on Bangladeshi politics? Zia’s leadership and her consistent opposition to Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League fundamentally shaped the political discourse in Bangladesh for over three decades, often leading to periods of intense polarization and political unrest.
Zia’s entry into politics followed the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, during a 1981 coup. She galvanized a mass movement against the military dictatorship, ultimately leading to its ouster in 1990. She then secured her first term as prime minister in 1991, and again in 2001, with Hasina as her primary opponent in both elections and in several subsequent contests.
Did you know? – Khaleda Zia’s husband, Ziaur Rahman, was also a former president of Bangladesh. He played a key role in the country’s liberation war and later established a military government.
In recent years, Zia faced a series of corruption cases that she maintained were politically motivated.Though, in January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted her in the last remaining case, a ruling that would have potentially allowed her to participate in february’s general election.
Pro tip – Bangladesh’s political landscape is largely defined by the rivalry between the BNP,led by Zia,and the Awami League,led by Hasina.Understanding this dynamic is crucial to understanding the country’s recent history.
Prior to her acquittal, Zia underwent medical treatment in the UK and returned to Bangladesh in May. Her travel abroad was permitted by Bangladesh’s interim government in early january, after Hasina’s government had previously rejected at least 18 requests for her to seek medical care overseas.
Reader question – How will Khaleda Zia’s death impact the upcoming elections and the future of the BNP? Share your thoughts.
