Summary
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on December 30. She was a central figure in Bangladesh's politics, known for her leadership against authoritarianism and her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Her death marks the end of an era of political competition between these two leaders.
Key Facts
- Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 at the age of 80.
- She was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
- Khaleda was admitted to the hospital on November 23.
- A grassroots BNP activist offered to donate a kidney to help her.
- Khaleda was Bangladesh's first female prime minister.
- Her political career began after the assassination of her husband in 1981.
- She led the BNP in multiple elections and served as prime minister three times.
- Khaleda and Sheikh Hasina were known as the "battling begums" due to their long-standing political rivalry.
