Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

DOB 15 Aug 1945

Age 80 years

birth palce Dinājpur, East Bengal

profession Politician

Khaleda Zia biography

Khaleda Zia, a prominent political figure in Bangladesh and the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on December 30, 2025, right ahead of the February 2026 elections. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh thrice — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and from 2001 to 2006. Her political career has been marked by fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, creating a deeply polarized political environment in Bangladesh.

In recent years, Khaleda Zia faced significant legal challenges. She was convicted in multiple corruption cases in 2018 and served prison sentences. Her imprisonment has been a contentious issue, with her supporters alleging that the charges were politically motivated to weaken the BNP and consolidate the ruling Awami League's power. She was acquitted in most of the cases after the fall of the government

The political dynamics in Bangladesh shifted dramatically when Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests and civil unrest. Subsequently, Zia was released from prison shortly after Hasina's departure.

Her son Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh after a 17-year exile on December 26, 2025. He is will succeed Zia as the BNP chairman after her death.

Khaleda Zia personal life

Father

Iskandar Majumder

Mother

Taiyaba Majumder

Spouse

Ziaur Rahman

children

Tarique Rahman, Arafat Rahman

Education

Graduate

News

KHALEDA ZIA NEWS

Khaleda Zia funeral: Handing over letter from Modi, Jaishankar meets ex-PM's son, flags ‘partnership’

January 01, 2026 6:20 am

Jaishankar was one of six foreign dignitaries to attend Begum Zia’s funeral, which was attended by thousands in Dhaka.

Zia, who served as Prime Minister three times, passed away in Dhaka at the age of 80 after battling multiple health ailments.

Khaleda Zia used a space given to her, but shrank it

December 31, 2025 11:36 am

In her crusade against the military establishment and the Awami League, she built a terrifying dam of street power

Khaleda Zia used a space given to her, but shrank it

Khaleda Zia leaves behind a country in the remaking

December 31, 2025 7:21 am

Her passing coincides with the return of her son, Tarique Rahman, from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London

Khaleda Zia passes away bpl matches cancelled

Khaleda Zia passes away: Bangladesh cricket board cancels two BPL matches

December 30, 2025 7:56 pm

"In respect of the nation’s mourning following the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, today’s BPL T20 matches have been cancelled. Revised fixtures will be announced in due course," the BCB said in a statement.

'At home, she was our mother': Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman bids emotional farewell after her death

December 30, 2025 4:54 pm

Zia, 80, who was the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, passed away on Tuesday after suffering cardiac arrest.

Begum Khaleda Zia meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka in 2005. (File photo)

Khaleda Zia's India roots and her ties with New Delhi: A timeline

December 30, 2025 4:05 pm

Three-time Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died on December 26, 2025, shared deep roots with India but maintained a complex, often tense relationship shaped by history, politics and regional diplomacy.

Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Bangladesh chief advisor Yunus posts picture of Jaishankar 'greeting' Pak Assembly Speaker

December 31, 2025 7:19 pm

Begum Khaleda Zia Funeral News Today Live Updates: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has left Dhaka after attending the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.