Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, died at the age of 80 on December 30, 2025. The former chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) passed away at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the morning. She had been battling prolonged illnesses, including infections and other issues, and was on life support in her final moments. Khaleda Zia died while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her elder son, Tarique Rahman, was reported to be by her side as she breathed her last. Amid an outpouring of condolences for the former Bangladeshi PM’s family, here’s what we know about her reason for demise.
What was Khaleda Zia’s cause of death?
Khaleda Zia’s medical reports and statements from her medical team indicate that her death was the result of a combination of severe infections and long-term organ failure. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23, 2025, with a severe lung infection that later developed into pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure. She also developed a chest infection, which placed extreme stress on her heart. The former Bangladeshi PM had a history of cardiac issues and relied on a permanent pacemaker for survival. Khaleda Zia has also been suffering from advanced liver cirrhosis for an extended period, which had significantly weakened her body.
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