Begum Khaleda Zia, the first woman to lead Bangladesh as prime minister, died early on Tuesday at age 80. Her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), confirmed she passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka around 6 AM shortly after Fajr prayer.
Khaleda Zia had been battling multiple serious health issues for months. Doctors had treated her with intensive care since late November, but her condition worsened, and she could not recover.
Khaleda Zia Death Reason: What Caused Khaleda Zia’s Death?
Doctors said Khaleda Zia was suffering from several critical health problems. These included:
- Advanced liver cirrhosis
- Arthritis and diabetes
- Chest and heart complications
- Lung infections
She had been admitted to the hospital on 23 November and was placed on ventilator support on 11 December, as her breathing and vital organs weakened.
Medical monitors had warned that her health was fragile, and a medical board even advised against transferring her abroad for treatment because her condition was unstable.
Final Days of Khaleda Zia in Hospital
In the last few weeks, Khaleda Zia’s health has kept declining despite continuous treatment. She spent more than a month under medical supervision, struggling with severe infections and organ stress.
Close family members, including her eldest son Tarique Rahman, were reportedly at her side when she took her final breath.
Official Reaction from BNP
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party shared the news of Khaleda Zia’s death on social media. In the message they wrote, “The BNP chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 a.m., just after the Fajr prayer. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul.”
The BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 a.m., shortly after the Fajr prayer. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul. pic.twitter.com/KY2948UPD5
— Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) December 30, 2025
Following her death, the BNP declared seven days of mourning. Black flags will fly at party offices nationwide. Supporters will wear black badges, and prayer gatherings and Quran recitations are planned across the country.
Who Was Khaleda Zia?
Khaleda Zia was one of South Asia’s most well-known political figures. Born on 15 August 1945, she entered politics after her husband Ziaur Rahman, a former president, was assassinated in 1981. She became chairperson of the BNP in 1984 and later served as prime minister twice.
She led the government from 1991–1996 and again from 2001–2006. Zia was a central figure in restoring democracy after military rule and deeply influenced Bangladesh’s political direction for decades.
Her time in power saw both achievements and controversies, including criticism over corruption and governance issues.
Legacy and Mourning in Bangladesh
Zia’s death has sparked widespread sadness across Bangladesh. Political leaders and ordinary citizens alike are remembering her role as a key democratic leader.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described her as a “great guardian of the nation,” highlighting her long struggle for democratic rights and national service.
International leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also shared condolences and noted her contributions to Bangladesh’s growth and diplomatic ties.
