Khaleda Zia Death Confirmed: Bangladesh’s First Female PM Dies at 79

Khaleda Zia’s death has been confirmed by her family and physicians in Dhaka. The former prime minister of Bangladesh died early Tuesday, December 30, 2025, while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital.

She was 79. Khaleda Zia was the country’s first female prime minister and longtime chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Khaleda Zia Death Confirmed by Family and Doctors

Khaleda Zia’s death was confirmed by her personal physician, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. He said she died in the early hours of Tuesday while under medical care at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Hospital officials said she had been suffering from multiple age-related complications. These included chronic liver and kidney conditions that had worsened in recent months.

Khaleda Zia had returned to Bangladesh earlier this year after receiving medical treatment in London. She had been living under close medical supervision since her return.

Born in 1945 in Feni, Khaleda Zia rose to prominence after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She later emerged as a central figure in Bangladesh’s pro-democracy movement against military rule.

She first became prime minister in 1991 after leading the BNP to victory in the country’s first credible democratic election following years of authoritarian rule. She served two terms as prime minister, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006.

Her political career was defined by intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League. Their decades-long confrontation shaped Bangladesh’s political landscape and deeply polarised the country.

Khaleda Zia was often described as an uncompromising leader. Supporters praised her resilience and political instincts. Critics accused her governments of tolerating corruption and political violence.

Despite her conservative image, she introduced policies that expanded girls’ education and strengthened legal protections against child marriage and domestic violence. These measures had lasting effects, particularly in rural areas.

A Polarising Leader Whose Legacy Still Shapes Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia’s later years were marked by prolonged political persecution and imprisonment. In 2018, she was jailed on corruption charges that her party said were politically motivated.

Her health declined significantly during her incarceration. She was later released to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic but was barred from travelling abroad for treatment for several years.

During this period, the Awami League government tightened its grip on power. BNP leaders and activists faced widespread arrests, enforced disappearances, and criminal cases.

Khaleda Zia never fled the country despite repeated arrests and legal pressure. This decision earned her quiet respect even among some political opponents.

Following the political upheaval of 2024 and the fall of the Awami League government, charges against her were dismissed. She travelled abroad for treatment and briefly reappeared in public life.

In her final months, she remained physically frail and largely withdrawn from politics. She reportedly expressed interest in contesting future elections but never made a formal announcement.

Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. Her life reflected the contradictions of the country’s democratic struggle and its unfinished journey toward political stability.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When was Khaleda Zia’s death confirmed?

Khaleda Zia’s death was confirmed on December 30, 2025. Her personal physician announced her passing early Tuesday morning.

Q2: Where did Khaleda Zia die?

She died at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She had been receiving treatment there for multiple health complications.

Q3: How old was Khaleda Zia at the time of her death?

Khaleda Zia was 79 years old. She was born in 1945 in Feni, Bangladesh.

Q4: What was Khaleda Zia best known for?

She was Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. She also led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for decades.

Q5: What happens next for the BNP?

The BNP is expected to announce mourning programmes and leadership decisions soon. Party officials have not yet outlined a succession plan.