Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, once said, “The ability to stand up against governmental oppression, to boycott elections, to refuse offices of profit, or to suffer imprisonment is considered evidence of personal sacrifices, something which is greatly admired by the people of a country where politics is generally an unabashed pursuit of power and personal aggrandisement.”
These words, though attributed to her, were echoed by none other than Gowher Rizvi, Sheikh Hasina’s former international affairs adviser, underscoring the deep respect she commands across the political spectrum.
Khaleda Zia’s journey from a “self-educated” individual to the leader of a national political party and toppling one of the strongest military dictators is a testament to her tenacity. Rising to power in the wake of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, she transformed from a grieving widow into a formidable political force. As a single mother and leader, her life became emblematic of resilience and strength, inspiring many in a country where politics often equates to relentless battles for power. She vigorously supported and demonstrated against the military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s regime from 1984 to 1990.
Nothing could break her unwavering resolve, not even countless house arrests, brutal quelling, or uncontrollably violent outbursts that claimed the lives of numerous people on the streets. After finally succeeding in overthrowing Ershad, she claimed the position of the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
During her term, Khaleda Zia presented the country with immeasurable developments. From high literacy rates to a significant reshaping of economic forums, her charismatic leadership left a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s development, becoming a source of pride for the nation.
Her second term in 2001 saw a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Economically, except for inflation, it was another successful tenure. In the ease of business rating, Bangladesh was ranked 65, and now it is 168.
She revived the education system, which is now in a state of decline. Three major negative points are often discussed—firstly, Bangladesh being named three times as the most corrupt country. This dubious distinction, however, was also achieved during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The system was allegedly improved by altering the point system each year to change the status. Secondly, the rise of terrorism, though it is important to note that all the leaders of terrorist groups were arrested during her tenure. Lastly, Hawa Bhaban became a topic of controversy. Two supplementary questions arise: How many people were punished because of the Hawa Bhaban connection, and what was the impact? Who benefits from these rumors?
However, three significant decisions had repercussions. Firstly, the BNP’s inclusion of Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party, in its coalition government—a move criticized by the Awami League, which used it to portray the BNP as aligned with Islamist factions. Secondly, the decision to abolish the caretaker government system without proper dialogue created a political crisis that reverberates to this day. Thirdly, the 21st August grenade attack—an incident that still requires a fair investigation. Subsequently, the government arrested her, Tarique Rahman, and Arafat Rahman, causing a rift in the Zia family. After intense pressure, Tarique and Arafat were sent abroad. In April 2007, Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat was picked up from his residence to put pressure on his mother to leave Bangladesh.
Following the 2008 elections, Hasina targeted Khaleda Zia and attempted to dismantle the BNP in every possible way. She was asked to leave the home she had lived in for roughly 40 years; all her accomplishments and memories associated with the place were disregarded. Hasina’s government deployed RAB, police, and army officials who surrounded Zia’s house and forced her to leave without a chance to speak with her attorney, despite awaiting a hearing on her petition.
Khaleda Zia faced further challenges in 2014 when she withdrew a strike, resulting in the mass killing of party members by the police and RAB. In 2017, her house was raided by the police in search of “anti-state” documents. In 2018, Khaleda Zia was sentenced to five and seven years of rigorous imprisonment based on a highly questionable graft case. Despite her deteriorating health and age-related conditions, she was denied bail on humanitarian grounds by both the Supreme Court and the High Court. She was also barred from leaving the country for medical treatment, a decision that was widely criticized as politically motivated.
Since 2022, Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at the CCU. Following her release after her second incarceration, she has shown significant improvement after receiving proper care. She has experienced ups and downs throughout her political career, serving multiple terms as the prime minister and facing imprisonment. Despite her sacrifices, her dedication to her vision for Bangladesh and its people has gained her empathy from the public. Her well-being has a significant impact on Bangladesh’s future. Bangladesh was ranked 46th and 129th on the happiness index during her leadership. She has also warned of the risk of Indian hegemony.
As a leader, Khaleda Zia deserves recognition for her sacrifices, which have been crucial for Bangladesh’s independence and well-being. Her journey is not just a chapter in the history of Bangladesh; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of a leader who, despite numerous challenges, has remained committed to her vision for the country.