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Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies at 80

Published on December 30, 2025 7 views

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who made history as the country's first female leader, has passed away at the age of 80 in a hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged illness.

A Pioneering Leader

Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. Her rise to power marked a significant milestone in South Asian politics, breaking barriers for women in leadership roles in the region.

Global Condolences

Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from around the world, with leaders highlighting her decades of service to the nation. Politicians, diplomats, and citizens alike have expressed their grief at the loss of a figure who shaped Bangladesh's political landscape for over three decades.

Political Legacy

As the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and became one of the most influential political figures in the country's history. Her political career was marked by both achievements and controversies, including periods of house arrest and legal battles in recent years.

Bangladesh has declared a period of national mourning to honor the legacy of its first female Prime Minister.

Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters

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