A political era ends with the passing of a pioneer. Bangladesh mourns the loss of its first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, who died at the age of 80 after a long battle with illness.
Ms. Zia's political journey was nothing short of remarkable. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power twice, serving as the country's prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. But here's where the story takes a dramatic turn: her tenure was marked by a fierce rivalry with another powerful woman, Sheikh Hasina.
The two leaders engaged in a political dance, alternating between ruling the country and leading the opposition. Ms. Zia's time in office was not without controversy; she faced corruption charges and served time in prison, only to be acquitted this year. And this is the part most people miss—her resilience and political influence endured, even after her release.
The BNP revealed her passing through social media posts on Tuesday. Ms. Zia's health had been deteriorating, with doctors citing advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and heart issues. Despite her frail state, she embarked on a medical journey to London in early 2025, returning home after four months of treatment.
Her life before politics was that of a dedicated wife and mother to two sons. Tragedy struck in 1981 when her husband, Ziaur Rahman, a military leader and later president, was assassinated during an attempted coup. This pivotal moment propelled her into the political arena, and she took the helm of the BNP, founded by her late husband, in 1984.
Ms. Zia and Ms. Hasina played pivotal roles in the 1990 popular uprising that ousted military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad. This led to Bangladesh's first free election in 1991, where Ms. Zia's surprise victory over Ms. Hasina marked the beginning of her prime ministerial tenure and a decades-long political rivalry.
In 2018, Ms. Zia and her aides were convicted of embezzling foreign donations intended for an orphanage trust. She was imprisoned but later placed under house arrest in 2020 due to her declining health. And here's where it gets controversial—Ms. Hasina, her political rival, was in power at the time.
Ms. Hasina's own political journey saw her ousted in a mass uprising in 2024, leading to Ms. Zia's release from house arrest. This year, Bangladesh's Supreme Court acquitted Ms. Zia, clearing her name.
Despite her extended absence from power, Ms. Zia and the BNP maintained a strong support base. The party is now poised to win the upcoming February parliamentary election, with Ms. Zia's eldest son, Tarique Rahman, as a prominent candidate for prime minister.
The life and legacy of Khaleda Zia are a testament to the complexities of politics and the enduring impact of female leadership. Her story invites us to reflect on the power of resilience, the challenges of democracy, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in politics. What do you think about the impact of Ms. Zia's political career on Bangladesh's future? Share your thoughts and continue the conversation.
