From Jalpaiguri to Bangladesh’s Dhaka: Begum Khaleda Zia’s noteworthy journey

December 30, 2025 12:39 PM

From Jalpaiguri to Bangladesh’s Dhaka: Begum Khaleda Zia’s noteworthy journey

Begum Khaleda Zia’s journey - from being born in undivided India to becoming Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister - established her as one of the most influential figures in the country’s politics for more than four decades. Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died early on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. She was 80. Rising from a largely private life, Khaleda Zia went on to become the country’s first female head of ...

Bangladesh leader Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman set to return from 18-year exile

December 21, 2025 10:37 AM

Bangladesh leader Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman set to return from 18-year exile

After 18 years in self-imposed exile in London, the man many call the "Crown Prince" of Bangladeshi politics is finally coming home. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's acting chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son, 60-year-old Tarique Rahman, is set to land in Dhaka on 25th December – exactly 50 days before the country goes to the polls on 12th February. For the B.N.P., Tarique Rahman’s return is more than a homecoming. It is a lifeline. His mother, Khaleda Zia, remains in ...

Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia in critical condition, exiled son says his return not in his hands

November 30, 2025 5:20 PM

Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia in critical condition, exiled son says his return not in his hands

Bangladesh's former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia remains in "very critical" condition at a Dhaka hospital, her party said on Sunday, as her exiled son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman signaled uncertainty over his return. Khaleda, 80, was admitted to a private hospital on November 23 with a severe chest infection affecting her heart and lungs, doctors and senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party officials said. Her deteriorating health comes at a sensitive time for her poli...