Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Bangladesh lost one of its most influential political leaders with the death of Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka, marking the end of a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s post-independence political history.

Her death comes at a crucial moment as Bangladesh prepares for national elections expected in early 2026.

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Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Passes Away at 80

Long Illness and Final Days

Khaleda Zia died after battling multiple chronic illnesses for several years. She was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and had recently returned from advanced medical care in London.

Her medical conditions included:

• Heart disease (with a permanent pacemaker)
• Kidney and liver complications
• Diabetes and respiratory problems
• Arthritis and eye-related disorders

Despite continuous medical supervision, her health remained critical in recent months.

Political Journey and Rise to Power

Born in 1945, Khaleda Zia entered politics following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She formally took charge of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1984 and soon emerged as a powerful opposition leader.

Key milestones in her political career:

• Became Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister in 1991
• Served two non-consecutive terms: 1991–1996 and 2001–2006
• Played a crucial role in strengthening parliamentary democracy during transitional periods

Her leadership shaped Bangladesh’s political institutions and economic direction during key democratic phases.

Reactions at Home and Abroad

Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus described her death as a major national loss. Condolences also came from across the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sympathy, recalling Khaleda Zia’s contribution to strengthening India–Bangladesh relations and their meeting in Dhaka in 2015.

Khaleda Zia remained the principal political rival of Sheikh Hasina for more than three decades, defining Bangladesh’s two-party political system.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Khaleda Zia was the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh
• She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party from 1984 until her death
• She served as Prime Minister during 1991–1996 and 2001–2006
• Her political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina shaped Bangladesh politics for decades
• She passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka

Question & Answer

Q1. Khaleda Zia was associated with which political party?
(a) Awami League
(b) Jatiya Party
(c) Bangladesh Nationalist Party
(d) Jamaat-e-Islami
Answer: Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Q2. Khaleda Zia was the first woman Prime Minister of which country?
(a) Pakistan
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Nepal
(d) Bangladesh
Answer: Bangladesh

Q3. During which periods did Khaleda Zia serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
(a) 1985–1990 and 1996–2001
(b) 1991–1996 and 2001–2006
(c) 1996–2001 and 2006–2011
(d) 2001–2006 and 2009–2014
Answer: 1991–1996 and 2001–2006

Q4. Khaleda Zia entered active politics after the assassination of which leader?
(a) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
(b) Hussain Muhammad Ershad
(c) Ziaur Rahman
(d) Muhammad Yunus
Answer: Ziaur Rahman

Q5. Khaleda Zia passed away in which city?
(a) Chittagong
(b) Khulna
(c) Sylhet
(d) Dhaka
Answer: Dhaka

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