Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's Pioneering Female Prime Minister, Passes Away at 80

Tue Dec 30 2025 06:27:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Khaleda Zia, the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and a significant figure in the country's political landscape, has died at the age of 80 after battling a prolonged illness. Her political legacy continues to evoke mixed sentiments across the nation.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, died at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness. Known for her leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Zia became the country's first female head of government in 1991. Her career was marked by significant achievements as well as controversies, including allegations of corruption and political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Her passing comes at a time when her legacy is evaluated from diverse political views.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, has died at the age of 80 after suffering from a prolonged illness. Her death was announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on social media, stating, Our favourite leader is no longer with us. She left us at 6am this morning. Physicians reported that her condition had been extremely critical, with Zia placed on life support prior to her passing.

Zia made history in 1991 when she led the BNP to victory in Bangladesh's first democratic election after a two-decade hiatus. She served as prime minister again starting in 2001, departing from the post in late 2006 before a general election.

Throughout her political tenure, she faced numerous corruption allegations and was embroiled in a longstanding rivalry with Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, who had recently endured her own political upheavals.

An important figure in Bangladesh's socio-political landscape, Khaleda Zia's death serves as a moment of reflection for her supporters and detractors alike, evaluating her contributions and controversies in the context of ongoing political narratives within the country.