Dhaka, Dec 30, 2025 — Bangladesh and the world mourn the loss of one of the country’s most influential political figures. Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her party confirmed early Tuesday.

Khaleda Zia breathed her last at around 6:00 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for heart and lung infections, pneumonia, and other age-related health complications for more than a month.

Born on 15 August 1945, Zia became a towering presence in South Asian politics, serving as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. She led the country following landmark democratic victories in 1991 and again from 2001 to 2006, shaping the nation’s political landscape over decades.

Her political career was defined by a long and fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, which dominated Bangladeshi politics for generations. The two leaders, often referred to as the “Battling Begums,” alternated in power amid periods of intense political unrest and mass movements.

Zia rose to political prominence following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, and took the reins of the BNP, becoming a symbol of opposition to military rule and championing a parliamentary democratic system. Her leadership saw significant policy decisions, including reforms in governance and education, but was also marked by controversy and corruption allegations that she and her supporters claimed were politically motivated.

Her passing marks the end of a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s modern history. Zia is survived by her son Tarique Rahman, who now leads the BNP and is positioned to play a central role in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.

World leaders and political figures from across the globe have begun expressing condolences, recognizing her role as a trailblazer for women in leadership and a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.