This marks a profound day of void in the political history of Bangladesh. Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time Prime Minister, the country's first female head of government, and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, after a prolonged illness. She was 80 years old at the time of her death. Despite enduring long-term age-related and complex health issues, she maintained her dignity, patience, and sense of responsibility until the very end. Her contribution to the nation's politics was an unparalleled and memorable chapter.
Begum Khaleda Zia's life was a steadfast journey-a unique blend of responsibility, leadership, struggle, and humanity. She was not only the head of a political party; she was a symbol of an era, a political movement, and a powerful representation of women's leadership.
Begum Khaleda Zia was born on 15 August 1946 in Jalpaiguri, then part of British India, according to BNP sources. Her father was Iskandar Majumdar and her mother was Tayeba Majumdar. The family's ancestral home was in Fulghazi Upazila, Feni District, and they permanently resided in Mudipara, Dinajpur town.Among five siblings, Khaleda Zia was the third child, with two elder sisters and two younger brothers. Close associate and BNP leader Selima Rahman has noted that despite her political commitments, Khaleda Zia was always active in fulfilling family duties. During her childhood and adolescence, she was calm, composed, and responsible. Alongside education, family values and decorum formed the core of her character.
She completed her formal education at the district and college levels. Alongside her studies, family life remained her primary focus. In 1960, she married Ziaur Rahman, an officer in the then Pakistan Army. This marital union later laid the foundation for an important political chapter in Bangladesh's history. The couple had two sons-Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko. As a homemaker, managing her household and raising her children were central to her life. She devoted herself to supporting her family, nurturing her children with affection, and fulfilling domestic responsibilities.
The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a profound and memorable chapter in Begum Khaleda Zia's life. While her husband played an active role in the war, she spent her days with uncertainty and anxiety for her children. The patience, sacrifice, and self-restraint she exhibited during this period strengthened her personality. Her courage, resilience, and mental fortitude during the Liberation War became a source of inspiration for the people of Bangladesh.
The assassination of President Ziaur Rahman on 30 May 1981 brought profound sorrow to Begum Khaleda Zia's life, as well as new political responsibilities. Even amidst personal grief, she stepped forward for the sake of time and nation. In 1984, she was elected Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, marking the formal start of her political career. Initially an ordinary woman, she emerged as a determined, composed, and responsible leader in response to the nation's needs.
During the 1980s, Begum Khaleda Zia played a key role in the movement against autocratic rule. Through protests, programs, and political unity, she contributed significantly to the restoration of the country's democratic system. The mass uprising of 1990 was a landmark in Bangladesh's political history. Her patience, restraint, and firm resolve during this period became a source of inspiration for the people.
Following victory in the 1991 national elections, Begum Khaleda Zia assumed office as Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister. Under her leadership, parliamentary democracy was restored in the country. This was not merely a political event, but also a historic advancement for women's leadership. She served as Prime Minister three times-from 1991 to 1996, and from 2001 to 2006-demonstrating firmness, decorum, and experience in governance.
During her tenure as Prime Minister, she prioritized education expansion, infrastructure development, food production, women's education, and employment. She brought dynamism to rural economies and national production systems.
Internationally, she represented Bangladesh with dignity. Her contributions to the country's image and diplomatic affairs remain memorable.
Even outside of power, Begum Khaleda Zia remained an active and organized opposition leader. She maintained a firm stance on democracy, voting rights, and constitutional continuity. She played a vital role in uniting her party and its members.
In the later years of her life, she suffered from prolonged and complex health issues. Alongside age-related ailments, she battled various illnesses and received medical care. She spent her final days surrounded by family and loved ones. News of her passing on Tuesday morning brought widespread mourning across the country.
Alongside her political career, she endured deep personal loss. The death of her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, was a significant blow. She faced this grief with remarkable resilience until the end of her life.
Begum Khaleda Zia was a dignified, resolute, and influential leader in Bangladesh's political landscape. She strengthened women's leadership and remains a powerful example of female capability in politics.
In conclusion, with her departure, Bangladesh has lost a powerful voice in politics. She was a determined leader who reinforced democracy while bolstering the potential of women's leadership.
Throughout her long political career, she maintained responsibility, patience, and ethics, earning the trust and hope of the people. As the country's first female Prime Minister, she holds a distinct place in history. Her firmness, principles, and decorum in governance set an unparalleled example. She prioritized national welfare and safeguarded democratic values.
In her personal life, she remained humane and devoted, caring for her family and children, even under adverse circumstances. This humanistic aspect further strengthened her leadership character. Today, her passing marks a profound moment of grief for the nation. Her life and struggles will remain an inseparable part of Bangladesh's political history.
Time will move forward, and new leadership will assume responsibility for the nation. Yet, Begum Khaleda Zia's name will remain permanently inscribed in Bangladesh's political history. She will be remembered as a resilient, dignified, and selfless leader whose contributions and legacy remain everlasting.
The writer is a founder Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kalyan Society
