Bangladesh’s political situation has misplaced an enormous. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Social gathering- BNP, Khaleda Zia, died at present at 6:00 AM in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on December 30. The 80-year-old chief had been hospitalised since November 23, combating superior cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, at Manik Mia Avenue.
From A ‘Shy Housewife’ To Political Icon
Born in 1945 in Jalpaiguri, Khaleda’s adolescence gave no trace of the political firebrand she would grow to be. After marrying younger military officer Ziaur Rahman at 15, she remained a non-public determine, whilst her husband rose to grow to be President in 1977. Described by aides as a “humble and considerate” housewife, her life took a radical flip following the 1981 navy mutiny that resulted in her husband’s assassination.
Thrown into the vacuum that his demise created, Khaleda joined BNP in 1982. She was elected social gathering chairperson by 1984 and commenced a journey that might flip her into the so-called uncompromising chief of Bangladeshi democracy.
The “Uncompromising” Rise To Energy
The fame was established in a interval of 9 years of navy dictatorship, starting in 1982. Nevertheless, her refusal to undergo the dictates of the navy autocratic authorities resulted in a landslide victory within the election in 1991.
This victory made historical past, as she was the primary lady to grow to be the pinnacle of Bangladesh, in addition to solely the second lady to helm a Muslim-majority nation. The primary time period of her reign was characterised by structural modifications, which included:
Restoration of Democracy: Passing the twelfth Modification to Reinstate a Parliamentary type of Authorities.
Social Reform: Making major schooling authorized and creating the Nationwide Coast Guard.
Financial Shift: Establishing a free market economic system within the new nation.
Financial Peaks And Corruption Allegations
Throughout her third time period (2001–2006), Khaleda oversaw a interval of serious fiscal progress. By 2006, the nation’s GDP reached a post-independence excessive, main the World Financial institution to label Bangladesh “Asia’s subsequent tiger economic system.”
Nevertheless, her legacy was sophisticated by mounting allegations of corruption. These culminated in 2018 when she was convicted of embezzling funds supposed for an orphanage—expenses her supporters vehemently maintained have been politically motivated. After years of home arrest and authorized battles, she was lastly acquitted by the Supreme Court docket in early 2025 following the ouster of her rival, Sheikh Hasina.
The ‘Battle Of The Begums’
For many years, Bangladesh’s politics was outlined by the “Battle of the Begums”—the bitter private and political rivalry between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Their animosity was rooted within the violent historical past of the Seventies and 80s, with the 2 girls alternating energy for over 20 years.
Whereas Hasina was identified for a extra boisterous and confrontational model, Khaleda was acknowledged for a softer-spoken however equally iron-willed demeanor, hardly ever participating within the private insults widespread within the area’s political discourse.
A Legacy In Transition
Because the nation enters a interval of mourning, the highlight shifts to her son, Tarique Rahman. Having not too long ago returned from 17 years of self-imposed exile, Rahman is about to contest the upcoming elections on February 12. Whether or not he can keep the “towering persona” and political affect established by his mom stays the defining query for the BNP’s future.
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