Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She was the first woman to hold the office, serving from 1991-1996, and again from 2001-2006. She is the widow of assassinated Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman, and assumed leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after his death. As prime minister, Zia focused on improving education, establishing compulsory primary education and free tuition for girls, among other things. Her last term, however, was marred by the rampant spread of corruption, increased religious militancy and terrorism and increasing attacks against various minority groups. On September 3, 2007 Zia was arrested by Bangladesh police on charges of corruption.

Fast Facts

1. Born: August 15, 1945
2. Birthplace: Dinajpur District, Bangladesh
3. Widow of former President Ziaur Rahman
4. First lady of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981
5. Prime Minister 1991-1996 and 2001-2006
6. Established compulsory primary education and free tuition for girls
7. Arrested on corruption charges on September 3, 2007

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