Khaleda Zia
Article Contents
Introduction & Background
A surge of interest around Khaleda Zia has brought them into the spotlight. Here, we break down who they are and why they matter now.
Begum Khaleda Zia (born 15 August 1945 – 30 December 2025) was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the prime minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second female prime minister in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto. She is the widow of former president of Bangladesh and army commander, Ziaur Rahman. She has been the chairperson and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since 1984, which was founded by her husband, Zia, in 1978.
Why Is Khaleda Zia Trending Now?
Several factors have contributed to the current surge in interest around Khaleda Zia. Our analysis shows that recent developments have significantly increased public awareness and engagement with this topic, placing it firmly in the trending category.
The trend data indicates a 🔥 peak popularity (100/100) level of interest, suggesting that Khaleda Zia has captured substantial public attention and is likely to remain relevant in ongoing conversations.
Key Analysis & Context
Khaleda Zia in 1971
Khaleda Zia arrived in Dhaka from Chittagong on May 16, 1971. She arrived by launch in Narayanganj in the evening with her two children, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, and the wife of Colonel Mahfuz. From there, her elder sister, Khurshid Jahan, and her sister's husband, Mozammel Haque, took them to their house in Khilgaon, Dhaka, in a jeep.
Involvement in politics
On 30 May 1981, Khaleda Zia's husband, the then president of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated. After his death, on 2 January 1982, she got involved in politics by first becoming a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – the party that was founded by Rahman. She took charge as vice-chairman of BNP in March 1983.
Anti-Ershad movement
In March 1982, the then chief of the Bangladesh Army, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, launched a coup against BNP politician and President Abdus Sattar and became the Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) of the country. This marked the beginning of a nine-year-long military regime in Bangladesh.
Premiership
Begum Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh three times. Her first term was from March 1991 to February 1996, the second term lasted for a few weeks after February 1996, and the third term was from October 2001 to October 2006. She is particularly remembered for her role in making education accessible and introducing some key economic reforms.
Birth date discrepancy
Zia claims 15 August as her birthday, which is a matter of controversy in Bangladeshi politics. 15 August is the day many immediate family members of Zia's political rival, Sheikh Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were killed. As a result of the deaths, 15 August was officially declared National Mourning Day of Bangladesh during the Hasina regime.
Awards and honours
On 24 May 2011, the New Jersey State Senate honoured Zia as a "Fighter for Democracy". It was the first time the state Senate had so honoured any foreign leader and reflects the state's increasing population of immigrants and descendants from South Asia. Later, on 31 July 2018, an organization named Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO) gave her the "Mother of Democracy" award.
Eponyms
Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, a residential hall at Islamic University, Kushtia. Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, a residential hall at the University of Chittagong. Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, a residential hall at Jahangirnagar University. Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, a residential hall at the University of Rajshahi.
Bibliography
Ullah, Mahfuz (18 November 2018). Begum Khaleda Zia: Her Life Her Story. The Universal Academy. ISBN 978-984-93757-0-8.
See also
List of international prime ministerial trips made by Khaleda Zia
References
Footnotes Citations
External links
"Life Sketch: Begum Khaleda Zia". Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Barbara Crossette (17 October 1993). "Conversations: Khaleda Zia; A Woman Leader for a Land That Defies Islamic Stereotypes". The New York Times. William Green; Alex Perry (10 April 2006). "We Have Arrested So Many". Time.
📰 Latest Developments & News Updates
Bangladés: la inestabilidad política ensombrece las elecciones
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Khaleda Zia in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
Bangladesh's student-led party allies with Islamists ahead of election
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Khaleda Zia in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
Tarique Rahman set for Dhaka-17 candidacy
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Khaleda Zia in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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