The political landscape of Bangladesh has been profoundly altered with the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. At the age of 80, the veteran leader and chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last in the early hours of December 30 at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital. Her demise marks the end of a significant chapter in the nation's history, concluding a life that saw. Her rise to become Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a formidable force in its often tumultuous political arena. She had been under intensive medical care for a month, with her condition deteriorating sharply on the night preceding her death. The news of her passing was officially confirmed through a post on the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stating that she passed away around 6 AM, shortly after the Fajr prayers, while this announcement sent waves of sorrow and reflection across the country, as citizens remembered her long and impactful career.
A Life of Political Prominence
Khaleda Zia's journey in Bangladeshi politics was nothing short of remarkable, defined by her leadership and two distinct tenures as the nation's prime minister, while she first assumed the highest office from 1991 to 1996, a period that followed the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh after years of military rule. During this time, she navigated the nascent democratic institutions, working to establish stability and implement her party's vision for the country. Her second term as prime minister spanned from 2001 to 2006, further cementing her status as a dominant political figure. As the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), she wielded considerable influence, guiding one of the country's two major political forces. Her leadership was characterized by a strong stance on national issues and a commitment to her party's ideology, which resonated with a significant portion of the Bangladeshi electorate. Throughout her time in power and opposition, she remained a central figure, shaping national debates and policy directions.
Battling Ailments
In her final years, Khaleda Zia faced a severe and prolonged. Battle with various health complications, which ultimately led to her demise. She had been grappling with a multitude of chronic conditions, including a persistent chest infection, significant issues related to her liver and kidneys, and long-standing struggles with diabetes and arthritis. On top of that, she suffered from eye problems, adding to her overall health challenges. These ailments collectively took a heavy toll on her health, leading to a gradual decline in her physical well-being. For the last month of her life, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, receiving intensive medical attention, while the severity of her condition was underscored by the fact that she had been placed on a ventilator for 20 days, indicating critical respiratory support was required. Her family and party leaders consistently confirmed her deteriorating health, expressing deep concern for her well-being in the days leading up to her passing, while the combination of these severe and interconnected health issues proved insurmountable, despite the best efforts of medical professionals.
Legal Challenges and Imprisonment
Khaleda Zia's political career was also marked by significant legal challenges, which saw her face imprisonment and prolonged judicial battles, while on February 8, 2018, a special court in Dhaka sentenced her to five years in prison on charges of embezzling government funds under the Zia Orphanage Trust. This conviction was a major blow to her political standing and the BNP. Her son, Tarique Rahman, who serves as the BNP's acting chairman, along with five other co-accused, also received a harsher sentence of ten years of rigorous imprisonment in the same case, while Plus, a fine of 2. 1 crore Bangladeshi Taka was imposed on them, while tarique Rahman and two other accused had reportedly absconded. Khaleda Zia appealed this verdict to the High Court, seeking to overturn the conviction, while however, on October 30, 2018, the High Court not only upheld the conviction but also increased her sentence from five to ten years. Following this, she sought to challenge the High Court's decision directly in the Supreme Court through a 'leave-to-appeal' petition. This legal process, fraught with complexities and delays, continued for five years. Her release from prison came on August 6, 2024, a day after the reported ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government. Following her release, she traveled to London for advanced medical treatment,. Staying there for four months before returning to Bangladesh on May 6.
From Homemaker to Political Leader
A defining characteristic of Bangladeshi politics for decades was the intense and often bitter rivalry between two powerful women: Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, and Khaleda Zia, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This political dynamic was famously dubbed the 'Battle of Begums' by the media, reflecting the fierce competition between these two formidable female leaders. Interestingly, their political journeys began with a period of cooperation. In the 1980s, when Bangladesh was under military rule, both Hasina. And Khaleda united on the streets, leading movements against the autocratic regime. Their shared goal was the restoration of democracy, and they stood together against the then-dictator Ershad. However, once democracy was re-established following Ershad's departure in 1990, their alliance dissolved, and a deep political enmity emerged. With Khaleda Zia's victory in the 1991 elections, the rivalry intensified, setting the stage for a prolonged period where power consistently alternated between their two parties. After 1990, every election in Bangladesh saw either Khaleda Zia or Sheikh Hasina at the helm, creating a political landscape dominated by their personal and party-based antagonism. This rivalry shaped national discourse, electoral campaigns, and governance, becoming a central theme in the country's modern political history.
Khaleda Zia's entry into the tumultuous world of politics wasn't through a traditional path, as she didn't hail from a political family and initially had no direct connection to political activities. Born in 1945, her life took a significant turn when she married Ziaur Rahman, a military officer, in 1960. Her husband, Ziaur Rahman, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's history. During the 1971 Liberation War, while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh. Hasina's father, was arrested, Ziaur Rahman made a crucial radio announcement. In this broadcast, he declared that he was fighting on behalf of an 'independent Bangladesh,' rallying support for the liberation cause. After the war concluded and Bangladesh achieved independence, Rahman returned to the military, where he quickly rose through the ranks, attaining a prominent position. His military stature soon translated into political influence, making him an increasingly powerful figure. The period following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family in 1975 was marked by extreme political instability and a series of coups, while amidst this volatile environment, Ziaur Rahman steadily emerged as the most powerful military leader. By 1977, he had ascended to the presidency of Bangladesh, while upon assuming power, he founded a new political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which would later become the vehicle for his wife's political career and is currently led by their son, Tarique Rahman.
Taking the Helm of BNP
The tragic assassination of Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981, in Chittagong, during a rebellion by some disgruntled army officers, plunged the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) into crisis. His sudden death left a significant void, and the party began to fragment without its charismatic founder, while in this moment of uncertainty, party leaders turned to Khaleda Zia, urging her to take on the leadership role to prevent the party's collapse. Initially, she was reluctant to enter the political fray, given her non-political background and the personal grief she was experiencing. However, after considerable persuasion and recognizing the need to preserve. Her husband's legacy and the party he founded, she eventually agreed. In 1984, Khaleda Zia officially assumed the leadership of the BNP, marking her formal entry into active politics. This decision proved to be a turning point for both her and the party, while under her guidance, the BNP regrouped and revitalized itself, preparing for the return of democratic governance.
Legacy and Impact
Khaleda Zia's passing leaves an indelible mark on the political landscape of Bangladesh. Her journey from a homemaker to the nation's first female prime minister and a. Two-time head of government is a testament to her resilience, political acumen, and enduring popularity. She successfully led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for decades, transforming it into a formidable political force capable of challenging and often defeating the Awami League. Her legacy is complex, encompassing periods of significant national development, democratic governance, and also legal controversies and intense political rivalries, while the 'Battle of Begums' with Sheikh Hasina defined an era, shaping the very nature of political competition in Bangladesh. As the country reflects on her life, her contributions to establishing and strengthening democratic processes, her efforts in governance, and her unwavering commitment to her party's ideology will be remembered. Her death signifies the end of an era dominated by her powerful presence, leaving a void that will undoubtedly influence the future trajectory of Bangladeshi politics, as the BNP now continues its journey under the leadership of her son, Tarique Rahman.
