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Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia
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Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1945 in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. She was the third of five siblings, and grew up in a politically active family. Her father, Iskander Mirza, was a civil servant in the British Indian Government, and later served as the first President of Pakistan. Her mother, Begum Yousufa Iskander, was a prominent social worker and women's rights activist.
Khaleda Zia completed her education in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and then went on to work in various government offices. In 1960, she married Ziaur Rahman, who later became the President of Bangladesh. Khaleda Zia played an active role in her husband's political career, and became involved in Bangladeshi politics herself after his assassination in 1981.
Khaleda Zia was first elected to Parliament in 1986, and served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. During her time in office, she oversaw a number of major reforms and infrastructure projects, including the construction of several bridges and highways.
However, Khaleda Zia's tenure as Prime Minister was not without controversy. She was accused of widespread corruption, and her government was criticized for its handling of several major disasters, including the sinking of a ferry in 2002 that killed over 100 people.
In 2007, Khaleda Zia's political career took a major hit when she was arrested and charged with corruption. She was sentenced to five years in prison in 2018, and has been in custody ever since.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Khaleda Zia remains a popular figure among many Bangladeshis, particularly in the rural areas of the country. Her supporters praise her for her strong leadership skills and her commitment to improving the lives of the Bangladeshi people.
Khaleda Zia has also been an advocate for women's rights throughout her career. She has spoken out against domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence, and has worked to empower women and girls in Bangladesh.
In recent years, Khaleda Zia's health has become a major concern. She has suffered from a number of medical issues, including a stroke in 2015 that left her partially paralyzed. Her supporters have called for her release from custody on humanitarian grounds, but so far, she remains in prison.
In conclusion, Khaleda Zia has been a major figure in Bangladeshi politics for several decades. Despite the controversies and challenges she has faced, she remains a popular and influential figure in the country. Her commitment to improving the lives of the Bangladeshi people, particularly women and girls, has earned her the respect and admiration of many Bangladeshis.