Khaleda Zia is the second woman in the Muslim world to come to be the head of the state after Benazir Bhutto. She entered the politics after her husband’s assassination in 1981. She became the first woman to be the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and head of a democratic government. Nearly 70% of Bangladeshi women are illiterate. Zia gained the helm of educating young girls. She focused on improving the country’s educational system by expanding the economic opportunities available to women.

 Half of the Bangladesh’s population lives below the poverty line. She distributed food to the poor. She served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. She attempted to tackle the country’s awful economic difficulties by privatizing industry and encouraging private investment. The New Jersey State Senate honored Zia as a Fighter for Democracy. It was the first time the State Senate had honored any foreign leader.

Her efforts and popularity gained Zia much respect and love from Bangladeshi people. Her eponyms include in various educational institutes of Bangladesh.

Forbes Magazine included Khaleda Zia in their list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. The magazine ranked her at number 4 in 2004, at number 29 in 2005 and at number 33 in 2006.