By Admin 
Khaleda Zia, a veteran leader of Bangladesh politics and the country’s first woman Prime Minister, died on Tuesday (30 December 2025) at the age of 80. His party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) issued an official statement confirming this news. Khaleda Zia was suffering from serious diseases for a long time and was undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Dhaka.
According to BNP, Khaleda Zia was suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, chest and heart related diseases. His condition had remained critical for a long time and he was kept under the observation of specialist doctors. Ultimately he breathed his last during treatment.
Who was Khaleda Zia?
Khaleda Zia was born in 1946 in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, which was then part of the undivided Dinajpur district. She made a strong mark in the politics of Bangladesh and became the Prime Minister of the country three times after 1991. She was the first woman of Bangladesh to be democratically elected Prime Minister.
Marriage with Ziaur Rehman and entry into politics
Khaleda Zia was married to former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981. After Ziaur Rehman became the President, Khaleda Zia became the First Lady of the country. It was only after his death that Khaleda Zia entered active politics.
Important role in BNP
After her husband’s death, Khaleda Zia joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as an ordinary member. In 1983, she was made the vice-president of the party and a year later she was elected chairperson of BNP. After this, she gave a new direction to the party and emerged as a strong opposition face in Bangladesh politics.
Leader of the movement against dictatorial rule
Khaleda Zia is considered the main architect of the seven-party alliance formed in 1983. The objective of this alliance was to end the rule of the then military ruler General Hussain Mohammad Ershad. The movement led by him is considered an important chapter in the democratic history of Bangladesh.
political legacy
Khaleda Zia’s name is also known in Bangladesh politics for her long-running power struggle with Sheikh Hasina. She influenced the country’s politics for decades and set a strong example of women leadership.
Also read: Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia is no more, breathed her last at the age of 80