Former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia Dies at 80, Political Era Ends

BREAKING: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80, according to a statement from her political party released earlier today. This marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history, as her longstanding rivalry with current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shaped the country’s political landscape for decades.

Zia’s passing has been confirmed amidst ongoing reactions from political leaders and citizens alike, reflecting on her impactful career. She served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, a time marked by intense competition with Hasina. Her political journey was not without controversy; she faced numerous corruption charges, which she always maintained were politically motivated.

In a significant turn of events in January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted Zia of her last corruption case, paving the way for her potential return to political life. However, her health had been a concern in recent years. After undergoing medical treatment in the U.K., she returned to Bangladesh in May 2025 following a lengthy struggle to receive permission to travel abroad from Hasina’s government.

Zia, who was married to the late President Ziaur Rahman, became a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s political arena after he was assassinated during a coup in 1981. Her role in mobilizing resistance against military rule in the late 1980s solidified her status as a key political leader.

As news of her death spreads, the nation is reflecting on Zia’s legacy and the future of Bangladeshi politics. Many are questioning what this means for the political balance in Bangladesh and whether her passing will lead to a shift in power dynamics.

Officials and former colleagues are expected to make statements throughout the day, and tributes are pouring in from both supporters and opponents. The impact of Zia’s death will undoubtedly reverberate through the political fabric of Bangladesh.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. The nation mourns the loss of a leader who was not just a political figure but also a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.