A leader’s last chapter, a nation at a political crossroads.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s former prime minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 80, after a prolonged and critical illness. Her death marks the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history.
She had been receiving intensive treatment at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, since November 23, 2025, where doctors battled to stabilize her worsening health. Despite continuous medical efforts, her condition remained fragile, deeply worrying supporters and party leaders across the country.
A Battle With Failing Health
Zia’s health sharply declined following a severe lung infection, which gradually affected her heart and respiratory system. She was placed on ventilator support, required dialysis, and remained under constant observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
Doctors reported brief signs of stabilization after a minor medical procedure, but no significant recovery followed. Alongside the infection, she suffered from multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, kidney failure, arthritis, and long-term respiratory issues. Plans to shift her to London for advanced treatment were eventually shelved as her condition worsened.
From Prison to Political Revival
Zia’s final years were marked by dramatic political turns. Arrested in 2018 on corruption charges she consistently described as politically motivated, she spent years in custody and later under house arrest due to her health.
In August 2024, massive student-led protests toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, leading to Zia’s release. In early 2025, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court acquitted her and her son, Tarique Rahman, clearing major graft cases and a long-standing 2004 grenade attack allegation.
Political Shock Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, serving two terms (1991–1996, 2001–2006), Khaleda Zia remained the emotional backbone of the BNP. Her death comes just months before the February 2026 general elections, where the party was preparing for a major comeback.
Her passing now places the spotlight on Tarique Rahman, who recently returned after 17 years in exile, raising questions about BNP’s leadership and campaign direction.
A Lasting Legacy
Khaleda Zia’s decades-long rivalry with Sheikh Hasina shaped modern Bangladeshi politics. International media described her as a towering opposition figure whose declining health mirrored a nation in transition.
Her story ends, but her political legacy continues to influence Bangladesh’s future.