Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister, Passes Away at 80

Tue Dec 30 2025 06:21:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a significant era in the country's politics.

Khaleda Zia, revered as a trailblazer in Bangladesh's political history, has died following a severe health decline. Her legacy includes becoming the first woman to lead the nation, although her career was fraught with controversy and political rivalry. Announced by her party, Zia's passing is seen as a monumental loss for her supporters and the nation.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, has died at the age of 80 after suffering from a prolonged illness.

Our favourite leader is no longer with us. She left us at 6am this morning, Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on Facebook.

Physicians had stated on Monday night that Zia's condition was extremely critical. She was placed on life support; however, due to her age and overall poor health, multiple treatments were not possible, they indicated.

Zia became Bangladesh's first female head of government in 1991 after leading the BNP to victory in the country's first democratic election in two decades.

She returned to the prime minister's office in 2001 and served until October 2006, stepping down ahead of a general election.

Her political journey was marked by allegations of corruption and a long-standing rivalry with Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. Notably, Zia was jailed for five years in 2018 for corruption.

Zia, the widow of Bangladesh's former president Ziaur Rahman, leaves behind a complex legacy as a significant figure in the nation's history.

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