Khaleda Zia Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister dies at age of 80 years. Bangladesh is in mourning after the death of Khaleda Zia. The country’s first female prime minister and a defining figure in its modern political history. She passed away on Tuesday 30 December, 2025 at 6.00am at the age of 80 after a long battle with illness, her party confirmed. Zia who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died early in the morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Following complications from several health conditions, including advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and heart and chest problems. Doctors had been treating her for weeks after her health deteriorated late last year.
Her death comes just weeks before national elections scheduled for February 2026. In recent days, her elder son and acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman. Return to Bangladesh after spending nearly 17 years in exile and is widely seen as a leading candidate to succeed her politically.
Khaleda Zia Political Career
Zia first became prime minister in 1991 after leading her party to victory in Bangladesh’s first free election. Marking a milestone for women in leadership in the Muslim-majority world. She served multiple terms and played a central role in restoring democratic governance after years of military rule. Her political career was also mark by a long and bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Another towering political leader in Bangladesh, as the two alternated in power over decades. Both women were often refer to as the “battling Begums.”
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Despite stepping away from power in 2006, Zia remained a powerful voice in Bangladeshi politics. Her leadership was praise by supporters for championing democratic rights and criticised by opponents over controversies including past corruption cases that she and her family repeatedly rejected as politically motivated. The government has announced several days of national mourning. Leaders from around the world have expressed condolences, recognising Zia’s influence on her country’s political landscape. Zia is survive by her family and a political legacy that will shape Bangladeshi politics for years to come.