Sad news for Bangladesh and beyond: former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at age 80, after battling a prolonged illness. 🕯️😢
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced that their chairperson "passed away today at 6:00 a.m., just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer." She leaves behind a historic legacy as the country’s first female head of government, serving two terms between 1991 6 and 2001 6.
During her leadership, Khaleda Zia championed women’s empowerment, oversaw major infrastructure projects, and navigated a young democracy through its early challenges. Young Bangladeshis remember her as a trailblazer who broke glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated sphere. 🙏🏽
Today, tributes have flooded social media, with #KhaledaZia and #Bangladesh trending on platforms like X and Facebook. Current leaders, activists, and citizens from Dhaka to diaspora communities in Singapore and Malaysia are sharing memories and messages of thanks.
Her passing marks the end of an era for South Asia’s political landscape. As Bangladeshis reflect on her impact, her story remains an inspiration for young women across the region striving to make their voices heard. 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
