Begum Khaleda Zia: A Legacy Larger Than Life

I am writing this article solely out of respect for Begum Khaleda Zia, not to promote any political ideology. When I was born, Khaleda Zia began her political journey. She did not enter politics voluntarily. Her husband, General Ziaur Rahman, who later became President, founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and was assassinated by armed attackers in Chittagong in 1981. Subsequently, at the request of his colleagues to lead the party, she joined the BNP and gradually took on the responsibilities of leadership.  At that time, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who later became the ruler of the country, established his own party, the Jatiya Party, which sought to co-opt the ideology of the BNP. In response, Begum Khaleda Zia became actively involved to strengthen the BNP’s programs at the grassroots level and ensure the party’s continuity and influence.

Begum Zia’s first major political movement was against the dictatorship of H. M. Ershad, and she was determined that her party would not participate in any election under his regime. As a result, she became the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and earned the title of an uncompromising leader.

Why will history remember her legacy? Numerous international media outlets reported her passing, highlighting her historic role as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She introduced the parliamentary system of government, which continues to function effectively in the country today.

Under her leadership, the foundation for the readymade garments (RMG) industry was laid, which has now become one of the country’s most important sectors for employment generation and inclusive economic growth. Her premiership was marked by a strong commitment to market liberalization and the promotion of private-sector growth, setting the stage for Bangladesh’s long-term economic development.

Without education, a nation cannot cultivate capable leaders who can serve as a guiding light, and without such leadership, the nation cannot achieve prosperity. At that time, although Bangladesh had a number of public universities, there were still insufficient seats to accommodate all qualified students, leaving many meritorious students without access to quality education.

Begum Khaleda Zia recognized that education should align with the needs of the private sector and the global job market. She emphasized that education is not solely a state responsibility but a shared effort, including local initiatives, which can also help conserve foreign exchange. Under her leadership, the Private University Act of 1992 was enacted, and North South University (NSU) became the first private university, establishing a record of academic excellence. Since then, over 100 private universities have been established across the country, most of which contribute significantly to human capital development, workforce skill enhancement, and the expansion of the middle class.

Begum Zia also recognized that girls’ education is vital for national development. She played a historic role in advancing female education by introducing tuition-free secondary education for girls, a program designed to increase enrolment, reduce dropout rates, and empower women.

Bangladesh Army first joined a UN Peacekeeping Mission in 1988 through the United Nations Iran–Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG), deploying military observers to help monitor the ceasefire after the Iran–Iraq War. Begum Khaleda Zia’s administration provided clear policy guidance and strong encouragement for deploying larger contingents, extending beyond individual observers to include formed units such as infantry battalions, support units, and staff officers. Today, Bangladesh is recognized as one of the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions.

I was fortunate to meet Begum Zia when I was ten years old during her official visit to Bera Thana in Pabna district, where my brother-in-law served as her protocol officer. I vividly remember her smiling warmly and touching my head with her right hand.

My paternal grandfather, Martyred Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Qadir, whose name is honored at Quadirabad Cantonment in Natore, had a close relationship with Captain Zia (later Lieutenant General and President) and his wife, Begum Zia. Additionally, my mother’s cousin is related to Begum Zia’s family through marriage, being the sister-in-law of Kursheed Jahan, Begum Khaleda Zia’s elder sister.

These family connections inspired me to learn more about Begum Zia—not just as a political leader, but as a remarkable human being. With her passing, we lost a legendary figure who listened attentively before speaking. Looking back at BNP’s history, she was the only leader who guided the party with exemplary leadership honed through years of street-level movements. She remained calm, polite, and approachable, speaking the language of farmers, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, fishermen, and day laborers. Remarkably, she never lost her electoral constituency, even when her party faced national defeat.

At the end of her life, she was widely respected as the country’s leader, a fact reflected in the reverence shown during her funeral (Salat al-Janazah). Bangladesh needs leaders of her caliber. We will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.


Mahiul Kadir is a columnist on
contemporary issues.  
He is reachable at [email protected]