Who Was Khaleda Zia, Woman Who Redefined Bangladesh’s Political Landscape? Rise, Reign And Legacy | World News
Halide Zia Passed Away: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Begum Khaleda Zia passed away while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka in the early hours of Tuesday. He died at the age of 80. The BNP leader is a key figure in Bangladeshi politics and his death comes at a crucial political moment when the country is all set to hold national elections in February 2026.
Details regarding Khaleda Zia’s funeral arrangements and official programs are awaited.
Halide Zia passed away
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Begum Khalida Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23 due to a lung infection.
The former Prime Minister had long suffered from various physical ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis and kidney complications.
Earlier this month, the former Bangladesh Prime Minister was sent to London for further medical treatment of his ailments, ANI reported.
BNP gave information about her death in its post on
Also Read- Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Khaleda Zia Dies at the Age of 80 in Dhaka After Prolonged Illness
Personal Life of Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia was born on 15 August 1945 and married Ziaur Rahman, the former president and army commander of Bangladesh, in 1960.
According to NDTV, her husband was assassinated and she became a widow in 1981.
Khaleda Zia has two sons: her elder son Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh, and her younger son Arafat Rahman “Koko”, who passed away from a heart attack in 2015.
Khaleda Zia, Who Reshaped Bangladesh Politics
Khaleda Zia was the president and leader of the BNP since 1984, which was founded by her husband in 1978.
The BNP emerged victorious in 1991, ending military rule in the country, and he became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Khaleda Zia made history as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second female prime minister of the Muslim world.
The veteran Bangladeshi leader served as Prime Minister for two terms between 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.
Tarique Rahaman’s Homecoming
Earlier this month, BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh after years of exile. He was arrested in 2007-2008 and left the country, settling in London after his release.
Following the dismissal of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year, he was acquitted in many cases filed during the Awami League period, paving the way for his return.
After Tarique’s arrival in the country, he also visited his mother at Evercare Hospital.
(with ANI entries)
