Khaleda Zia Dies at 80: Bangladesh Mourns the Death of its First Female Prime Minister
DHAKA – Begum Khaleda Zia who twice served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 80.
The Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at approximately 6:00 AM on December 30, 2025, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her passing marks the end of a definitive era in South Asian politics, occurring just weeks before the nation’s crucial general elections scheduled for February 2026.
End of a Prolonged Medical Battle
Khaleda Zia had been battling a series of complex health issues for over a decade. According to the medical board at Evercare Hospital, the former premier was suffering from advanced liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
She was admitted to the facility on November 23 following a severe lung infection. Despite being briefly flown to London for advanced treatment earlier this year and returning in May, her condition remained critical. Doctors confirmed that she had been on a life-support system for the past 48 hours following respiratory failure.
A Legacy of Democratic Resistance
Born in 1945, Khaleda Zia’s entry into the political fray was born out of tragedy. Following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, the reserved homemaker was thrust into the leadership of the BNP.
Restoring Democracy: She famously led the pro-democracy movement in the 1980s against the military regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
Historic Victory: In 1991, she made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, steering the country from a presidential system back to a parliamentary democracy.
Empowerment: Her tenure is often remembered for radical educational reforms, including making primary education free and compulsory, particularly for girls.
The “Battle of the Begums”
For over three decades, Bangladesh’s political landscape was defined by the intense rivalry between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. This “Battle of the Begums” polarized the nation but also saw the two leaders occasionally unite, most notably to topple military rule in 1990.
Funeral Arrangements and National Mourning
The BNP has announced a period of national mourning. Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that her Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer) is expected to be held on Wednesday, December 31, at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.
The funeral coincides with a high-stakes political transition. Her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, was present at the hospital during her final moments.
Political Impact on the 2026 Elections
Khaleda Zia’s death leaves a massive vacuum in the BNP just as the party was preparing for the February 2026 polls. Having been recently acquitted of all corruption charges in January 2025, her presence was expected to be a major morale booster for the opposition.
World leaders and regional neighbors, including India, have begun sending condolences, recognizing her role in shaping the identity of modern Bangladesh.
