Dhaka, Aug 15 (V7N) – Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia celebrates her 80th birthday today. Born in 1945 in a respected family in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia rose from being a housewife to becoming one of Bangladesh’s most influential female politicians amid the turbulent post-liberation period.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she married martyred President Ziaur Rahman. After his assassination, she entered politics unexpectedly, relying solely on the trust and support of the people. In 1991, she became the country’s first female Prime Minister, leading Bangladesh after the fall of the autocratic Ershad regime.

A three-time Prime Minister and two-time Leader of the Opposition, Khaleda Zia has spent a significant part of her life facing imprisonment, political vendettas, and street protests. Despite recent health challenges keeping her away from active politics, her influence on BNP policy-making remains strong.

Supporters hail her as the “mother of democracy,” while critics focus on her political controversies. Yet, Begum Khaleda Zia continues to be a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, embodying the struggles and resilience of the nation’s democratic movement.

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