The nation of Bangladesh is in grief after the passing of Khaleda Zia, first female prime minister and a central figure in the country’s return to democratic rule.
Zia died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a political era that shaped modern Bangladesh.
She rose to national prominence in 1991 when she led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to victory in the country’s first democratic election in 20 years, becoming the first woman to head the government.
The 80-year-old’s leadership symbolised a decisive shift away from years of military-backed governance and restored parliamentary democracy.
Announcing her death on today, December 30th, 2025, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, in a condolence message on Facebook, confirmed the stateswoman’s passing.
“Our favourite leader is no longer with us. She left us at 6 am this morning,” the Party said.
Zia served two terms as prime minister, first from 1991 to 1996 and later from 2001 until stepping down in October 2006 ahead of general elections.
During her tenure, she remained one of the most influential political figures in Bangladesh, shaping national policy and commanding strong grassroots support through the BNP.
Dr AZM Zahid Hossain her personal physician, said that Zia died while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after her condition deteriorated rapidly.
“She had been suffering from multiple complex and chronic health conditions, and in the early hours of Tuesday her state was extremely critical,” he said.
Despite the controversies, supporters credit Zia with breaking gender barriers in leadership and entrenching competitive multiparty politics.
As Bangladesh reflects on her life, Khaleda Zia is widely remembered as a pioneering leader whose rise to power in 1991 reshaped the country’s democratic journey.
