Bangladesh has entered a period of national mourning after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister and a prominent political figure, died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness. Her passing marks the end of a long chapter in Bangladeshi politics.
Zia passed away early Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, surrounded by family, after battling multiple health issues including advanced cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis and heart ailments, her party confirmed in an official statement. In response, the interim government has declared three days of state mourning, and a state funeral was held on Wednesday in the capital.
Her political journey, outlined in depth in reporting from international outlets, began after the assassination of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, which propelled her from private life into national leadership. Khaleda’s influence on Bangladesh’s democratic evolution was substantial, from transitioning the nation back to parliamentary rule in 1991 to expanding political participation across the country.
Support and sorrow poured in from around the world following her death. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her role in strengthening India‑Bangladesh relations, sentiments shared in political coverage that highlighted her international legacy. Pakistan’s leadership also mourned, calling her a “committed friend of Pakistan.”
Her decades‑long rivalry with fellow stateswoman Sheikh Hasina, often referred to as the “Battle of Begums”, defined Bangladeshi politics for more than 30 years, drawing both fierce loyalty and staunch criticism from supporters and opponents alike.
As Bangladesh mourns Khaleda Zia’s death, political analysts say her legacy, marked by resilience, controversy and transformation, will continue to shape the nation’s future.
