Khaleda Zia was born in 1945 in Dinajpur District of Bangladesh. Her father Iskandar Majumdar was a businessman and her mother Taiyaba Majumdar was a housewife. Khaleda Zia got married to army officer Ziaur Rahman in 1960. Later on he became the President of Bangladesh and founded the political party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Khaleda Zia became politically active after the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in 1981. She has sworn as the Prime Minister of the country thrice since 1991.
Joining Politics
Khaleda Zia’s husband, Ziaur Rahman, became the President of Bangladesh in 1977 and founded BNP. Even though Khaleda Zia was the first lady of the country, she was not least bit interested in politics. She spent her time taking care of her family and she was a shy and devoted housewife. After the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, Justice Sattar took position as the Chairman of BNP. He was the President of Bangladesh until General H.M.Ershad started a military coup and overthrew Justice Sattar to become the new President in 1981.
Khaleda Zia’s political journey started after Justice Sattar appointed her as the Vice-Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Upon Sattar’s retirement from politics in 1983, she took over the position of the Chairman of BNP.
Ascension to Power
To remove the autocratic government of General H.M.Ershad and to bring democracy back in the country, Khaleda Zia formed a seven party alliance. During this time, she was detained seven times. Later on, Khaleda Zia joined forces with Sheikh Hasina led eight party alliance and caused a massive rebellion against the autocratic government. General Ershad resigned under the massive pressure and the first free and fair election in a decade took place in the country in 1991.
The 1991 election was won by BNP and Khaleda Zia became the first woman to become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (only the second any Muslim country). Her first regime ended in 1996 and the next election was held. That election became one of the most controversial national elections of Bangladesh where most opposing parties boycotted the election. The one sided election was won by BNP and Khaleda Zia sworn her oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the second time. The government was disbanded within months and another election was held in 12th June, 1996 and Awami League won the election.
Khaleda Zia became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh again after the 2001 election where BNP led 4 Party Alliance won with a landslide. The Alliance got two third of the seats. Khaleda Zia’s regime as the Prime Minister ended after five years when she handed power over to the interim caretaker government.
Achievements and Contributions
Khaleda Zia has made significant impact in the education sector during her time as the Prime Minister. Primary education was made compulsory and free; education was free for girls up to class 10. Her food for education program brought a significant impact in changing the socio-economic situation of Bangladesh. The age limit of entering as a government service holder was increased from 27 to 30 years. A large budget was allocated in the education sector during her reign. Khaleda Zia has always given education and reading a high priority and has always encouraged the youth to study harder and read more. The first flyover of Bangladesh in Mohakhali was completed and Mayor Hanif flyover was initiated during BNP regime. Strong actions were taken to eradicate crime from the country which was both highly controversial and highly effective.
Forbes magazine ranked Khaleda Zia as the 14th most powerful woman in 2003, 29th in 2005 and 33rd in 2006. She was honored by the New Jersey State Senate as a “Fighter for Democracy” and it was the first time the state honored any foreign political leader.
Joining Politics
Khaleda Zia’s husband, Ziaur Rahman, became the President of Bangladesh in 1977 and founded BNP. Even though Khaleda Zia was the first lady of the country, she was not least bit interested in politics. She spent her time taking care of her family and she was a shy and devoted housewife. After the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, Justice Sattar took position as the Chairman of BNP. He was the President of Bangladesh until General H.M.Ershad started a military coup and overthrew Justice Sattar to become the new President in 1981.
Khaleda Zia’s political journey started after Justice Sattar appointed her as the Vice-Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Upon Sattar’s retirement from politics in 1983, she took over the position of the Chairman of BNP.
Ascension to Power
To remove the autocratic government of General H.M.Ershad and to bring democracy back in the country, Khaleda Zia formed a seven party alliance. During this time, she was detained seven times. Later on, Khaleda Zia joined forces with Sheikh Hasina led eight party alliance and caused a massive rebellion against the autocratic government. General Ershad resigned under the massive pressure and the first free and fair election in a decade took place in the country in 1991.
The 1991 election was won by BNP and Khaleda Zia became the first woman to become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (only the second any Muslim country). Her first regime ended in 1996 and the next election was held. That election became one of the most controversial national elections of Bangladesh where most opposing parties boycotted the election. The one sided election was won by BNP and Khaleda Zia sworn her oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the second time. The government was disbanded within months and another election was held in 12th June, 1996 and Awami League won the election.
Khaleda Zia became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh again after the 2001 election where BNP led 4 Party Alliance won with a landslide. The Alliance got two third of the seats. Khaleda Zia’s regime as the Prime Minister ended after five years when she handed power over to the interim caretaker government.
Achievements and Contributions
Khaleda Zia has made significant impact in the education sector during her time as the Prime Minister. Primary education was made compulsory and free; education was free for girls up to class 10. Her food for education program brought a significant impact in changing the socio-economic situation of Bangladesh. The age limit of entering as a government service holder was increased from 27 to 30 years. A large budget was allocated in the education sector during her reign. Khaleda Zia has always given education and reading a high priority and has always encouraged the youth to study harder and read more. The first flyover of Bangladesh in Mohakhali was completed and Mayor Hanif flyover was initiated during BNP regime. Strong actions were taken to eradicate crime from the country which was both highly controversial and highly effective.
Forbes magazine ranked Khaleda Zia as the 14th most powerful woman in 2003, 29th in 2005 and 33rd in 2006. She was honored by the New Jersey State Senate as a “Fighter for Democracy” and it was the first time the state honored any foreign political leader.