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Bangladesh Loses BNP Leader Khaleda Zia, 79
Bangladesh mourns the death of former PM and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at 79; her son Tarique Rahman now faces the challenge of continuing her political legacy ahead of national elections.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-30
Bangladesh Loses BNP Leader Khaleda Zia, 79

Bangladesh’s political landscape has lost one of its most emblematic figures. Khaleda Zia, 79, former prime minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on December 30 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, the party announced.

Zia’s death ends a more than three-decade-long chapter of rivalry and leadership alongside her longtime political rival, Sheikh Hasina, the current prime minister and leader of the Awami League. The two women, often called the “battling begums,” dominated Bangladeshi politics with contrasting styles, inspiring loyalty among supporters and scepticism among critics.

A Life of Political Ascendancy
Born on August 15, 1946, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She joined the BNP, quickly rising through the ranks to become party chairperson in 1984. Her ascent coincided with a period of military rule under Hussain Muhammad Ershad, and she became a central figure in opposition movements calling for the restoration of democracy.

She became Bangladesh’s first female elected prime minister, serving three terms: 1991–1996, briefly in 1996, and 2001–2006. Her government is credited with economic liberalisation, export-led growth, industrial revival, expansion of the garment sector, and improved access to education, especially for girls. By the end of her final term, Bangladesh’s GDP growth had reached about 7 percent, one of the highest post-independence.

Challenges and Controversies
Khaleda’s tenure was not without controversy. Allegations of corruption, nepotism surrounding her elder son Tarique, and questions over accountability for events like the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack drew criticism. Political missteps, including alleged electoral manipulation, contributed to instability and eventually a military-backed takeover in 2007, which sidelined both her and Sheikh Hasina from politics for nearly two years.

Despite these challenges, analysts and party leaders say Khaleda’s steadfast commitment to democracy and her refusal to flee the country during crises cemented her legacy. She endured imprisonment, political persecution, and years of isolation, remaining a symbol of resilience and principle for her supporters.

Personal Life and Legacy
Khaleda’s personal life was marked by hardship. She lost her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, to cardiac arrest in 2015, and her elder son Tarique spent years in exile before returning to Dhaka on December 25, 2025. Known for her calm demeanor, humility, and grace, Khaleda was deeply respected across political lines.

Her death leaves the BNP at a crossroads. Tarique Rahman, who has led the party in exile since 2018, faces the challenge of uniting the party and maintaining Khaleda’s political legacy ahead of the national elections scheduled for February 12. Analysts note the transition will test whether the BNP can sustain its influence under new leadership.

As Bangladesh mourns Khaleda Zia, her life is remembered not only for her political achievements but also for her tenacity, courage, and devotion to the ideals of democracy, setting a precedent for women in leadership across South Asia.
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