Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia dies
Financial Times5 days
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister, Dies
Was Khaleda Zia a principled democratic leader, or did her governance failures undermine her legacy?
Above: Khaleda Zia addresses supporters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Jan. 5, 2015. Image credit: Khurshad Alam Rinku/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Khaleda Zia's legacy stands as a testament to principled resistance over political expediency. She boycotted sham elections when rivals capitulated, stepped aside when legitimacy demanded it and refused power-sharing deals that would have compromised democratic frameworks. Her solitary imprisonment and years of persecution never broke her resolve, proving that true leadership means standing firm against authoritarian pressure rather than bending for survival.
Narrative B
Khaleda Zia's uncompromising style masked serious governance failures that undermined her democratic credentials. Her administrations faced corruption allegations, a devastating fertilizer crisis that killed farmers and credible accusations of electoral manipulation. The 2004 grenade attack investigation stalled under her watch, illegal weapons shipments embarrassed the nation and her son's parallel power center raised questions about who actually governed Bangladesh during her tenure.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Articles on this story
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0