Bangladesh's political landscape has lost a foundational figure with the death of Khaleda Zia, the nation's first female prime minister. She passed away at the age of 80, as reported by Reuters on December 29, 2025.
A Pioneering Political Journey
Khaleda Zia was not only a historical figure as Bangladesh's first woman to hold the premiership but also a central and often controversial force in the country's politics for decades. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the nation's two major political blocs, and served as prime minister for three non-consecutive terms.
Her political rise followed the assassination of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP. She steered the party for years, engaging in a fierce and enduring rivalry with the Awami League and its leader, Sheikh Hasina, another former prime minister and the current incumbent.
Legacy of Leadership and Controversy
Zia's tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and efforts to strengthen ties with global powers, but also by periods of intense political turmoil, allegations of corruption, and confrontational street politics. Her later years were overshadowed by legal battles and health struggles.
In a notable visual record of her career, a file photo from January 20, 2014, shows Zia waving to supporters upon arrival for a public meeting in Dhaka. The image captures a moment from her long campaign as the opposition leader, a role she maintained with determination despite facing numerous challenges, including periods of imprisonment.
An Era Comes to a Close
The death of Khaleda Zia signifies the end of a major chapter in Bangladeshi history. Her life story is inextricably linked with the nation's post-independence evolution, from military rule to democratic contestation, however turbulent.
Her passing leaves a substantial void within the BNP and will undoubtedly trigger a period of reflection and potential realignment within Bangladesh's opposition politics. The nation now mourns a leader whose influence shaped its destiny for generations.
