Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman PM: A life of power and resistance

Al JazeeraCenterEN 14 min read 100% complete by By Moudud Ahmmed SujanDecember 30, 2025 at 03:21 AM

AI Summary

long article 14 min

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died in Dhaka on December 30 at the age of 80. She was hospitalized on November 23. Zia, born in 1946, rose to prominence after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She played a significant role in restoring democracy in Bangladesh after a military takeover in the 1980s. While she inspired loyalty among supporters, her legacy is also marked by allegations of corruption and a polarizing political style. Her death closes a chapter of Bangladeshi politics dominated by her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ziaur Rahman 40% India 40% Tipu Sultan ×250% Dhaka ×260% Sheikh Hasina ×270% Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ×380% Bangladesh ×390% Khaleda Zia ×8100%

Keywords

khaleda zia 100% bangladesh politics 80% prime minister 70% democracy 70% bnp 60% corruption 60% sheikh hasina 60% political legacy 50% election 50% authoritarianism 40%