30.12.2025 11:58
Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a significant political figure, passed away at the age of 80 due to health issues.
It has been reported that Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and one of the influential figures in the country's politics, has passed away at the age of 80. In a statement made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), it was noted that Zia, who had been struggling with health issues for some time, had lost her life.
SHE HAD BEEN FACING HEALTH ISSUES FOR A LONG TIME
According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, Muhammad Yunus, who served as the "chief advisor" to the interim government, expressed in a condolence statement that with Zia's passing, "the country has lost a great protector." Zia, who had been suffering from various long-term health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems, was hospitalized in November and later taken to intensive care.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM PAKISTAN AND INDIA
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also expressed "deep sorrow" over Zia's death in a statement made on the social media platform of the US-based X company. Sharif referred to Zia as "a loyal friend of Pakistan," noting that her contributions to the development of Bangladesh are a "lasting legacy," and extended his condolences to her loved ones. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep sorrow" over Zia's death in a statement on his social media account, conveying his condolences to her family. Modi noted that as Bangladesh's first female prime minister, Zia made significant contributions not only to the development of her own country but also to relations with India.
WHO IS BEGUM KHALEDA ZIA?
Zia, one of the prominent figures in the post-independence era of the country, made history as the first woman prime minister elected through democratic means in Bangladesh. After the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, Zia emerged as a prominent political figure, serving as prime minister twice during the periods of 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.
Zia's political career was shaped by her rivalry with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Throughout her career, Zia faced corruption charges and was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison in 2018 in this context.
RELEASED FROM PRISON IN 2020 DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES
Zia argued that the cases against her were politically motivated. In January 2025, the Supreme Court decided to acquit her of the last case against her. Zia, who was released from prison in 2020 due to health issues, reportedly had her requests for treatment abroad rejected by the Hasina administration. With the permission of Nobel laureate Yunus, Zia traveled to London in January and returned to Bangladesh in May. Although she stayed away from political activities, Zia continued to serve as the BNP's chairperson until her death, while her son Tarique Rahman had been effectively leading the party since 2018.