Khaleda Zia, a prominent political figure in Bangladesh and the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been a pivotal force in the country's political landscape. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006. Her political career has been marked by fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, creating a deeply polarized political environment in Bangladesh.
In recent years, Khaleda Zia has faced significant legal challenges. She was convicted on corruption charges in 2018 and has been serving a prison sentence since then. Her imprisonment has been a contentious issue, with her supporters alleging that the charges were politically motivated to weaken the BNP and consolidate the ruling Awami League's power.
The political dynamics in Bangladesh shifted dramatically when Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests and civil unrest. In a surprising turn of events, the court ordered Khaleda Zia's release from prison shortly after Hasina's departure. This decision has been perceived as a strategic move to stabilize the volatile political situation and address growing public dissent.
Khaleda Zia's release is expected to have significant implications for Bangladesh's political future. Her freedom may galvanize the BNP and its supporters, potentially leading to a resurgence of the party's influence. Additionally, her return to the political arena could pave the way for new alliances and shifts in the balance of power. As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, Khaleda Zia's role will be crucial in shaping the country's path towards political stability and democratic governance.
July 30, 2025 9:34 pm
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to contest general election, says party leader
May 06, 2025 5:37 pm
After being discharged from the clinic, the BNP chairperson moved to her eldest son Tarique Rahman's residence, where she has been receiving treatment.
January 08, 2025 12:31 am
Zia left behind a South Asian nation grappling with uncertainty over its political future after her arch rival, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was ousted in a student-led mass uprising in August.
November 27, 2024 4:43 pm
Khaleda Zia served as the PM of Bangladesh from March 1991 to March 1996, and again from June 2001 to October 2006.
August 07, 2024 6:53 pm
"We need to reform this country as a prosperous one, the students, the youth, are our future. We will bring to life the dreams for which they gave their lifeblood," she said in her first public speech since 2018, delivered via video link at the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) rally in Nayapaltan.
August 06, 2024 4:48 pm
President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the immediate release of Zia, chief of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), after discussing the formation of an interim government with politicians and the army.
July 01, 2021 1:38 pm
Law Minister Anisul Haq added that if someone can find other legal provisions over this, he would quit his profession.
May 09, 2021 8:36 pm
The 76-year-old chief of main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who is serving a 17-year jail term on charges of embezzling foreign donations, has been temporarily released from prison amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 01, 2019 3:45 pm
The newly-elected leaders of the BNP, headed by imprisoned former premier Khaleda Zia, will not take oath as they have rejected the results, the party announced Tuesday,
December 29, 2018 10:42 pm
For Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the election will be a litmus test of her policies and programmes, executed during the last one decade of her uninterrupted rule.



