Khaleda Zia’s Death Triggers State Funeral, Rahman’s Return, and 2026 Election Countdown
Updated (9 articles)
Zia’s Passing Marks End of a Political Era Khaleda Zia died at 6 a.m. on 30 December 2025 at age 80 after a prolonged illness, confirmed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and reported by all outlets [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. She was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, first elected in 1991 and serving again from 2001‑2006, a tenure that shaped the nation’s shift to parliamentary democracy [1][4][6][8][9]. A state funeral in Dhaka drew hundreds of thousands of mourners, half‑mast flags, and foreign dignitaries from India, Pakistan and Bhutan [2][4]. Her body was taken to the home of her son Tarique Rahman, where he recited the Quran before the procession [2][6].
Tarique Rahman Returns and Positions BNP for 2026 Vote After 17 years in self‑imposed exile, Tarique Rahman re‑entered Bangladesh in late December 2025, holding a massive rally in Dhaka and pledging unity without revenge [1][2][7][9]. As acting BNP chairman, he signaled the party’s intent to contest three constituencies in the scheduled 12 February 2026 general election [1][2]. Rahman’s return and the BNP’s limited contestation reflect both a generational shift and internal party fragmentation [1][7]. Analysts note his image alongside his mother’s on campaign banners, positioning him as the likely successor [7][9].
Hasina’s Exile and Interim Yunus Administration Shape Turbulent Landscape Sheikh Hasina remains in exile in India following the 2024 uprising that toppled her government, leaving Bangladesh without either former prime minister for the upcoming election [1][3]. The interim government led by former Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus faces violent incidents, including a Hindu lynching and newspaper arson, and has banned the Awami League from political activity [1]. These actions raise questions about the election’s legitimacy and the stability of the transitional period [1].
Legal Saga and Conflicting Reports on Zia’s Convictions The Supreme Court acquitted Zia of her final corruption case in January 2025, enabling her to travel to London for treatment later that month and return in May 2025 [5][6]. Some reports claim she later received a death sentence for crimes against humanity, a detail absent from most other sources and suggesting a discrepancy in reporting [8]. Regardless, her acquittal and subsequent travel were facilitated only after the 2024 ouster of Hasina’s regime [5][6].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: Bangladesh braces for generational shift as Khaleda Zia dies and Tarique Rahman returns ahead of 2026 elections: Details Zia’s death, Rahman’s rally, election date, Hasina’s exile, and Yunus government challenges .
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BBC: Huge crowds mourn Bangladesh's first female PM at state funeral: Describes massive funeral attendance, international dignitaries, and BNP’s three‑seat election plan .
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The Hindu: Bangladesh’s Battle of the Begums ends as Khaleda Zia dies and Hasina remains in exile, election looms: Emphasizes the end of the Begums’ rivalry and its impact on the electoral field .
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AP: Khaleda Zia dies at 80; Bangladesh mourns as funeral plans are announced: Reports death, three‑day mourning, Modi’s condolences, and Sajeeb Wazed’s comments .
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CNN: Khaleda Zia, former Bangladeshi prime minister, dies at 80: Highlights her acquittal in January 2025 and travel permissions after Hasina’s ouster .
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BBC: Khaleda Zia dies in Dhaka after long political career: Provides health background, her political rise, and Tarique Rahman’s return .
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The Hindu: Khaleda Zia dies at 80, ending era in Bangladesh politics: Notes her vow to run in 2026, Rahman’s exile return, and BNP continuity .
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BBC: Khaleda Zia dies at 80, Bangladesh's first female prime minister: Mentions her death sentence claim, adding a conflicting legal detail .
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The Hindu: Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia dies at 80: Confirms death, medical conditions, and Rahman’s potential succession .
Timeline
1981 – Khaleda Zia’s husband, President Ziaur Rahman, is assassinated, prompting her entry into politics and setting the stage for her future leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) [2].
1982 – She joins the BNP as vice‑chairman, quickly rising to prominence as the party’s chief organizer against military rule [2].
1990 – The military‑backed regime collapses, paving the way for Bangladesh’s return to parliamentary democracy [7].
1991 – Zia becomes Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, implements free, compulsory primary education, and restores parliamentary governance [2][3].
1996 – She forms an alliance with Islamist parties for a second term, drawing criticism for the partnership [2].
2001 – Zia wins a third term as prime minister, continuing the alternating power dynamic with Sheikh Hasina [3].
2006 – She steps down amid corruption allegations, marking the end of her tenure in office [3].
2018 – Zia is convicted and jailed for embezzling $252,000 from an orphanage trust, a charge she denies [2].
2019 – Her health deteriorates, leading to hospitalisation and house arrest on humanitarian grounds [2].
2020 – She is released from imprisonment, beginning a period of limited political activity [5].
2024 – A mass uprising topples Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; Hasina flees to exile in India, creating a power vacuum ahead of the 2026 elections [6][7].
Jan 2025 – The Supreme Court acquits Zia in her final corruption case, clearing her to contest the next general election [4]; an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus grants her permission to travel abroad for treatment [4][5].
Jan 2025 – Zia travels to London for medical care after months of deteriorating health [2][5].
May 2025 – She returns to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom, appearing pale but mobile at a military function on Nov 21 [4][8].
Dec 25 2025 – Tarique Rahman, Zia’s elder son and acting BNP chairman, returns from 17 years of self‑imposed exile in London, positioning himself as the party’s likely future leader [1][8][9].
Dec 30 2025 – Khaleda Zia dies at 6 a.m. in Dhaka after a prolonged illness marked by liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes and heart problems [2][8][9]; the BNP announces a three‑day mourning period and a state funeral [5].
Dec 30 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers condolences, praising Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development and India‑Bangladesh relations [5].
Dec 30 2025 – Sajeeb Wazed, son of Sheikh Hasina, says Zia’s death “will leave a deep impact on the country’s (democratic) transition” [5].
Dec 30 2025 – Hasina, speaking from exile in India, calls Zia’s passing “an irreparable loss” and lauds her role in establishing Bangladesh’s democracy [5][7].
Dec 31 2025 – Hundreds of thousands gather for Zia’s state funeral in Dhaka; flags fly at half‑mast, security tightens, and regional dignitaries—including India’s External Affairs Minister, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker and Bhutan’s Foreign Minister—attend [1].
Dec 31 2025 – Zia’s body is taken to Tarique Rahman’s residence, where he recites the Quran beside his mother’s office as part of the funeral rites [1].
Dec 31 2025 – The BNP announces it will contest three constituencies in the February 12, 2026 general election, signaling a generational shift with Rahman at the helm [1][6].
Feb 12 2026 (planned) – Bangladesh holds its next general election, the first since the 2024 uprising, with the interim Yunus government overseeing a contested political environment that includes bans on the Awami League and rising communal tensions [6].