DHAKA – Bangladesh’s political landscape mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away Tuesday morning at age 80 following prolonged health complications. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which she chaired, confirmed her demise through an official social media announcement at approximately 6:00 AM local time.
According to The Daily Star, Zia breathed her last at a Dhaka medical facility where she had been undergoing extensive treatment since late November 2025. Her medical team had diagnosed critical cardiac issues coupled with severe pulmonary infection, compounding her existing health challenges that had persisted over several years.
Zia made history in February 1991 when she assumed office as Bangladesh’s inaugural female head of government, demonstrating groundbreaking leadership in a traditionally male-dominated political arena. She secured a second electoral victory in October 2001, further cementing her influence in the nation’s governance.
Her political journey encountered significant turbulence in February 2018 when judicial authorities convicted her on corruption allegations, resulting in her incarceration. However, in a notable turn of events, the presidential administration granted her release in August 2024, marking the conclusion of her six-year imprisonment period.
Zia’s passing represents the end of an era for Bangladeshi politics, where she remained a polarizing yet profoundly influential figure throughout her extensive career. Her legacy continues to shape the nation’s political discourse and democratic development.