Khaleda Zia: Slain leader's widow who became Bangladesh's first PM

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete December 30, 2025 at 03:58 AM

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long article 5 min

Khaleda Zia, who recently passed away at 80, was Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister, serving from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006. Initially a "shy housewife," she entered politics after her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, subsequently leading his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She spearheaded the pro-democracy movement during the 1980s, enduring house arrest and organizing mass rallies. In 1991, the BNP won the post-military elections, making her Prime Minister. Although later accused of corruption and imprisoned, the charges were dropped after a 2024 uprising. Born in West Bengal in 1945, she moved to Bangladesh after the partition of India and married Ziaur Rahman at 15.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sheikh Hasina ×250% Ziaur Rahman ×380% Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) 80% Khaleda Zia ×9100% Bangladesh ×5100%

Keywords

khaleda zia 100% bangladesh 90% prime minister 80% bangladesh nationalist party 70% ziaur rahman 70% politics 60% military dictatorship 50% political corruption 50% elections 40%