🕊️ Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh’s Trailblazing Leader (1945 – 2025)

Khaleda Zia was a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political history — known for breaking barriers, shaping democratic movements, and dominating politics for decades. She passed away at the age of 80 on December 30, 2025, ending an era in South Asian politics. Reuters

🇧🇩 Early Life and Entry into Politics

Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1945, in what was then Jalpaiguri in undivided Bengal (now in India) before her family moved to Bangladesh. Encyclopedia Britannica+1

She married Ziaur Rahman, a key military and political leader, in 1959. After his assassination in 1981, Khaleda stepped into politics and rose quickly within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — a party her husband helped found. Encyclopedia Britannica

📌 First Female Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia made history in 1991 by becoming the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her leadership marked a turning point for women in politics not only in her country but also across Muslim‑majority democracies. Encyclopedia Britannica
She served two major terms: 1991–1996 and 2001–2006, offering continuity to her party’s centre‑right policies. Wikipedia

During her time in office:

• She pushed for economic reforms, including privatization and encouraging investment. Encyclopedia Britannica

• Her government focused on expanding educational opportunities, especially for girls. Reddit

• Bangladesh faced major challenges such as devastating natural disasters and rising extremism. Encyclopedia Britannica

Her tenures were often controversial, and Bangladesh was ranked high on the Corruption Perceptions Index during part of her rule. The Economic Times

⚔️ Rivalry with Sheikh Hasina

Khaleda Zia’s political story is inseparable from her long rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, another dominant leader in national politics. Their competition shaped Bangladeshi politics for decades, with power alternating between their parties. Reuters

The intense rivalry earned them the nickname “the battling Begums,” reflecting both their prominence and the political polarization of the country. Reuters

📉 Legal Battles and Later Years

After her government ended in 2006, Khaleda faced significant political and legal challenges:

• She was arrested on corruption charges related to charitable trusts in 2018 — convictions she denied and argued were politically motivated. Wikipedia

• She spent periods in jail and house arrest as political tensions escalated. Wikipedia

• In 2024 she was released after years under restrictions following mass protests and a change in political dynamics in Bangladesh. Reuters

Her son, Tarique Rahman, became a key leader of the BNP and returned from exile in late 2025 to take a leading role ahead of national elections. Reuters

🕊️ Death and Legacy

Khaleda Zia died on December 30, 2025, at age 80 after a period of prolonged illness. Reuters
Her passing prompted national mourning, reflecting her deep and lasting impact on Bangladesh’s political life. AP News

She is remembered for:

• Being a pioneering female leader in South Asia. AP News

• Steering her party through turbulent decades of politics. The Times of India

• Leaving behind both devoted supporters and fierce critics. The Times of India

Her political legacy — complex and often divisive — will likely continue to influence Bangladesh’s evolving democracy.