Bangladesh has lost one of its most significant political figures with the passing of Khaleda Zia, the country's first female Prime Minister. She died at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Her demise signifies the end of an era marked by fierce political rivalry and her lasting impact on the country's governance.
Khaleda Zia's political journey included two terms as Prime Minister:
Her tenure was characterized by significant political developments and a growing rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, which has shaped Bangladesh's two-party system for decades.
In her final days, Khaleda Zia faced multiple age-related health issues, including advanced liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart complications. She required regular kidney dialysis and was on life support. She passed away at 6:00 am, shortly after the Fajr prayers, as confirmed by her party.
Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia became prominent after the assassination of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, the former President of Bangladesh and founder of the BNP, in 1981. Entering politics, she emerged as a key figure during Bangladesh's struggle to restore democracy following years of military rule. She was the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world, after Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan.
After her exit from office in 2006, Bangladesh faced political turmoil under a military-backed caretaker government. Khaleda Zia and her family faced corruption charges, leading to her imprisonment in 2018. She was later released on humanitarian grounds and placed under house arrest due to health concerns. In November 2024, she was acquitted of the corruption cases, bringing a controversial legal chapter to a close.
Khaleda Zia was a symbol of opposition and democratic struggle in Bangladesh. Her leadership of the BNP and her role in restoring democracy during the 1990s defined national politics for over 30 years. Her passing comes at a pivotal moment as Bangladesh approaches significant political developments and elections.
Q1. What were the major accomplishments of Khaleda Zia as Prime Minister?
Answer: Khaleda Zia was instrumental in restoring parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh during her tenure. She led significant political reforms and established a legacy as a prominent female leader in a male-dominated political landscape.
Q2. How did Khaleda Zia's health impact her political career?
Answer: Khaleda Zia's declining health led to her eventual house arrest and limited her political activities. Despite her legal challenges and health issues, she remained a crucial figure in Bangladeshi politics until her passing.
Q3. Who succeeded Khaleda Zia in the BNP leadership?
Answer: After Khaleda Zia's legal troubles, the BNP continued to be led by her family members and party officials. The exact succession has seen various leaders within the party, often influenced by her enduring legacy.
Q4. What was the nature of Khaleda Zia's rivalry with Sheikh Hasina?
Answer: Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina have had a longstanding political rivalry, characterized by fierce competition for power and differing visions for Bangladesh's future, significantly impacting the country's political landscape.
Q5. Why is Khaleda Zia considered a significant figure in Bangladeshi politics?
Answer: Khaleda Zia's role in restoring democracy, her status as the first female Prime Minister, and her leadership of the BNP have made her a pivotal figure in Bangladesh's political history and democratic struggle.
Question 1: When did Khaleda Zia first become Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
A) 1991
B) 2001
C) 2006
D) 1981
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What party did Khaleda Zia lead?
A) Awami League
B) BNP
C) Jatiya Party
D) Jamaat-e-Islami
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who was Khaleda Zia's husband?
A) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
B) Ziaur Rahman
C) Benazir Bhutto
D) Abdul Hamid
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: In which year was Khaleda Zia sentenced to prison?
A) 2016
B) 2018
C) 2020
D) 2022
Correct Answer: B
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