Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh’s first female PM’s journey through power & politics

Bangladesh is in mourning as its first female prime minister Khaleda Zia took her last breath at the age of 80 on Tuesday after battling with prolonged critical health conditions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) issued a statement. “The BNP chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6am, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer.”

“We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul,” the statement added.

Khaleda Zia emerged as a national leader, leaving behind her long-lasting legacy. The BNP chief’s rivalry with Sheikh Hasina also shaped Bangladesh's political landscape for a generation.

Her death comes just a week after her elder son’s return to the country after 17 years of self-imposed exile. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is also looking to run for PM in the upcoming February’s general elections.

For many BNP supporters, Zia was viewed as a symbol of democracy who sacrificed personal comfort for the nation.

Rise of Khaleda Zia: From homemaker to national leader

Zia’s political career was born from tragedy rather than an early ambition.

Her entry into the political landscape followed the tragic assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in a failed military mutiny in Chattogram, thereby plunging the country into political abyss.

As a result of mayhem, senior BNP leaders decided to choose her to lead, considering her the only figure who could protect and preserve Rahman’s legacy and party’s integrity. In 1984, she joined the party as chairperson.

She also emerged as a key resistant personality against the military regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad in the 1980s, earning a title of “unwavering” democratic leader in the face of authoritarianism.

Dilara Choudhury, a political scientist who observed both Khaleda and her husband closely said, “Khaleda’s entire life was filled with hardship, yet she chose her country over personal comfort. That is why she is remembered across political lines as one of the most emblematic leaders of her time.”

In the following decades, Zia served three terms as prime minister: first between 1991 and 1996; then for a few months in 1996, and finally, between 2001 and 2006.

Historic governance & reforms

Khaleda’s government is often credited with implementing the policies aimed at stabilising the country.

Economic liberalisation pursued by her administration caused revival of industrial sectors, export-led growth, and expansion of the apparel industry.

In 2006, Bangladesh’s GDP reached 7 percent, the highest since post-independence history. At that time, the World Bank described Bangladesh as “Asia’s next tiger economy”.

During her tenure, the press and media also witnessed the freedom of speech and expression. Her administration expanded the access to education for girls.

She also oversaw the political transition from presidential form of government to parliamentary one.

‘Battling Begums’

Zia dominated the political landscape alongside Sheikh Hasina, the leader of Awami League party and daughter of Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman. Their rivalry is often dubbed as “battling begums.”

The rivalry was fuelled by stark contrast in their personalities. Zia was often perceived as “quietly stylish”, polite and traditional; Hasina was assertive and outspoken.

Their political hostility was characterized by alternate cycles of power. Sheikh Hasina came to power in 1996, but Khaleda returned with a landslide victory in 2001.

Shadow of controversies

Zia’s political tenure also marred with numerous controversies and allegations. During the final term (2001-2006), her party was accused of promoting cronyism and influence of a parallel power center led by her elder son.

Moreover, her government also faced allegations for its handling of the 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally, in which 24 people were killed.

The 2004 interception of a massive illegal weapons consignment was also linked to her government.

Post-Khaleda Era: A leadership test for BNP

July’s student protests ousted the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina, banishing her from the country. She has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

The BNP now faces a transition period as it prepares for national election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The return of her heir has uplifted the chances of her party’s coming to power after years of halt.

The upcoming polls will decide the fate of the BNP party and Bangladesh . However, the country will always remember the legacy of its first women PM for years to come.