Bangladesh's first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, dies at 80

DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh's first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, passed away after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

Zia had advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, and chest and heart problems, her doctors said. In early 2025, she went to London for medical treatment, staying for four months before returning home.

Though Khaleda had been out of power since 2006 and had spent several