BNP Leader Khaleda Zia Passes Away in Dhaka

On January 26, 2023, Khaleda Zia, the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh. A historically significant figure in Bangladesh’s political history, has died aged 80 years old. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the party she represents, announced that Zia died at 6 am local time on Tuesday morning, December 29, 2025. It was after being hospitalized for an extended illness in a private hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The BNP declared in a statement that “Our beloved national leader has passed away”. Also urged the people of Bangladesh to pray for the soul of Khaleda Zia. The death of Khaleda Zia signifies the departure of a major chapter in the politics of Bangladesh. Her passing has drawn a lot of attention in South Asia in recent news updates.

Final Days and Health Struggles

Final Days and Health Conditions Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As she was showing symptoms of pneumonia. Her relatives have stated to local media that she has always been suffering from several ailments for many years. Among these, she had advanced liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and over her heart and chest complications.

A Political Era Defined by Rivalry

Khaleda Zia’s health has been on a decline for several years. As a result, her public appearances and political activities have been almost non, existent. She is no more, and this marks the end of the era. This was mainly her and her long, time rival the other Battling Begums of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. She dominated the political scene for more than three decades.

Khaleda Zia was not only a vital player in the political life of Bangladesh but also instrumental in the making of Bangladesh’s democracy through her intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Yunus, Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity at the time of Zia’s death, conveyed his “deep sadness” on the occasion and characterized her as “a symbol of the struggle for democracy” and “a great protector of this country”.

From Tragedy to Power

Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1946 in Dinajpur. She started her political career after a tragic event in her life. In 1960, she married an army officer, Ziaur Rahman, who later became the President of Bangladesh and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s political career took off. The incident took place when Zia was less than 35 years old, during a failed military coup d’tat in 1981.

Heroic Rise to Power Her leadership during the military oppression of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad was what made people forget that she was a newbie in politics. In 1991, through the historic elections that were considered the first free and fair elections in Bangladesh. Khaleda Zia led the BNP to a landslide victory and became Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Achievements and Controversies

Achievements and Controversies Khaleda Zia as Prime Minister restored the parliamentary system to the government. She initiated the inflow of foreign investments, and implemented free and compulsory elementary education for children. It is true that Khaleda Zia did a lot of good things for her country and her people. However, her administration was embroiled in numerous cases of political instability, denial of election activities, and allegations of unethical practices. Khaleda Zia’s ongoing conflict with Hasina resulted not only in political instability. But also a confrontation in 2007, which was followed by the imposition of an emergency government controlled by the military and the incarceration of both leaders.

Court Issues and the End of Her Life

In 2018, Khaleda Zia along with her son Tarique Rahman was convicted in a case involving the embezzlement of charitable funds that were donated by foreign sources. Khaleda Zia, however, always maintained her innocence and denied the charge. Following these proceedings, she was placed under house arrest due to her rapidly declining health and was denied travel outside the country for medical treatment.

Both Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman were found not guilty by the Bangladesh Supreme Court earlier this year. Following her death, the BNP announced a week-long period of mourning with plans for her funeral to be held later dates.

The Strong, Complicated Legacy of Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia still remains an extremely polarising figure, at times regarded by her supporters as a defender of democracy but also viewed as an overly aggressive political leader by her opponents. Her death marked the final chapter in an era that has shaped current Bangladesh’s history, an era characterised by the complexity and depth of her countless contributions to contemporary political debates that remain impactful today, and most likely into the foreseeable future.