Khaleda Zia, a very important politician in Bangladesh, has died. She was 80 years old. Zia was the country's first female Prime Minister. Her political party announced her death on Tuesday morning. Her long career had many successes and difficult times. She was sick and was getting treatment in a hospital in Dhaka. Her health became very bad.
Zia started her political life after her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, was killed in 1981. She took over his political party, the BNP. She led the BNP to win the general election in 1991. This made her Prime Minister. It also brought back democracy after military rule.
As Prime Minister, Zia worked to improve education for women. She also started programs for social development. However, she had a strong rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, another leader. This competition between them often caused political problems in the country. Zia was also put in prison and under house arrest during her career. This showed the difficult political situation in Bangladesh.
The BNP announced her death on Facebook. Many people in the country are very sad. Crowds gathered outside the hospital. Doctors had said her health was very weak because of her age. They knew that treatment options were limited.
Khaleda Zia's death ends an important part of Bangladesh's history. She helped bring democracy back to the country. Her life is connected to the country's progress. Her death comes before the country's next election. This creates a big change for the opposition party.