Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, dies at 80
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Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a dominant figure in the country’s politics for decades, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said. She had been suffering from multiple health complications and had received medical treatment in London earlier this year.
The BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 a.m., shortly after the Fajr prayer. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul. pic.twitter.com/KY2948UPD5
Khaleda rose to prominence after the assassination of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, and became prime minister in 1991 following Bangladesh’s first widely recognised free election. Her long and bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, shaped national politics for more than three decades, earning them the moniker “the battling Begums”.
Though out of power since 2006, Khaleda remained influential, with the BNP retaining strong public support. Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration since Hasina’s ouster in 2024, with elections scheduled for February. Khaleda’s son, Tarique Rahman, is widely seen as a leading contender.
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.
Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.
