Khaleda Zia Death: Bangladesh Mourns Former Prime Minister at 80

Khaleda Zia died on December 30, 2025. She died in Dhaka at dawn after days of illness. Her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, confirmed the news. She was 80 years old. The country is now mourning the loss of one of its major political figures and its first female prime minister.She had been in poor health for years. According to Reuters, she faced liver disease, heart issues, diabetes, and other long-term problems. Her condition became critical this week. Doctors tried to stabilise her, but her health kept slipping.

Khaleda Zia Death and Her Long Role in Bangladesh Politics

Khaleda Zia led Bangladesh twice. She first took office in 1991 after the return of democracy. She served again from 2001 to 2006. Her rise shaped national politics. She became a central voice against military rule in the 1980s. Her stand helped push the country toward democratic change.She entered politics after the 1981 killing of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman. His death pulled her into public life. She later became BNP chairperson and led mass movements against military leader Hussain Muhammad Ershad. According to reports, her rallies helped end his rule in 1990.Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladesh’s modern history. The two leaders competed for power for decades. Their clashes set the tone for elections and national debates. Many people saw them as the two dominant forces in the country’s politics.Khaleda Zia’s health changed her later years. She spent long periods overseas for treatment. She also served jail time in 2018 in a corruption case. She said the case was political. In 2020, the government suspended her sentence on medical grounds. She stayed under house arrest and could not travel.In early 2025, the Supreme Court cleared her of the final corruption charge. The decision came weeks before the next general election. BNP members believed she could return to politics. That chance ended with her sharp health decline this month

Impact of Khaleda Zia’s Death on Bangladesh’s Political Future

Her death leaves a large gap in the BNP. Her son Tarique Rahman now leads the party. He returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after many years abroad. Many supporters viewed his return as a turning point. Now he must guide the party through a period of grief and uncertainty.Her death also shifts the tone of national politics. Many analysts say her absence will reshape the coming election season. According to reports, she remained a symbol of resistance for many voters. Her passing may unite BNP loyalists. It may also push other parties to adjust their strategies.For many people in Bangladesh, her legacy is complex. She led the country at key points in its modern history. She also spent many years in legal disputes and political battles. Still, her role in restoring democracy and leading a major political party for decades remains historic.

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Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of a long and intense era in Bangladesh. Her journey changed national politics. Her memory will remain tied to the country’s struggle for democracy.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused Khaleda Zia’s death?

She had many health problems. Reuters said she suffered from advanced liver disease and heart issues. Her condition became critical this week.

Q2: When did Khaleda Zia die?

She died on December 30, 2025. Her party said she passed away around dawn in Dhaka.

Q3: Who will lead the BNP now?

Her son Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman. He returned to Bangladesh days before her death.

Q4: Was she still involved in politics?

Her illness kept her away from active politics. But she remained an important figure within the BNP.

Q5: What was her biggest political achievement?

She became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. She led the country after the return of democracy in 1991.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, AFP