Sunday, July 26, 2026

World News

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, dies at 80

Veteran opposition leader and two-time premier passes away after prolonged illness, party says

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

DHAKA — Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a towering figure in the country’s politics, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on Tuesday.

Khaleda, who served two terms as prime minister, had been suffering from multiple health complications, including advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and chest and heart problems, according to her doctors.

Close