The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today shares the sad news that Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and the party's chairperson, has died. She passed away at 6:00 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after fighting a long illness. Khaleda Zia was 80 years old.
Khaleda Zia broke barriers in politics. She became the first woman to serve as prime minister in 1991. She led the country from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. During her time in office, she pushed for economic growth, better education, and stronger ties with other countries. Her work helped shape modern Bangladesh.
Born on August 15, 1945, in Jalpaiguri, Khaleda married Ziaur Rahman in 1960. He later became president but died in an assassination in 1981. This tragedy pulled Khaleda into politics. She joined the BNP, which her husband started, and rose to lead it in 1984. She fought against military rule and helped bring back democracy in 1991.
For decades, Khaleda faced a strong rivalry with Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League. The two women traded power and clashed often. This rivalry marked Bangladesh's politics. In 2018, courts convicted Khaleda on corruption charges, which she called unfair.
She spent years in prison and under house arrest. Protests in 2024 toppled Hasina's government, and Khaleda gained freedom in August 2024. Courts acquitted her in graft cases in 2025, clearing her path for future elections.
In recent months, Khaleda's health worsened. She suffered from liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, and heart issues. Doctors admitted her to the hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. Despite treatment, her condition declined.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow. He said, "I feel profound sorrow at Khaleda’s death." He declared three days of national mourning. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences. He stated, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia."
Crowds gathered outside the hospital to mourn. The government plans her funeral for December 31, 2025, with prayers near parliament. She will rest beside her husband. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend to represent India.
Khaleda Zia's legacy lives on. She inspired women in politics and stood for democracy. Bangladesh now honors her contributions as the nation moves forward.