Tue Dec 30 08:59:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on that summary:
Summary:
The article reports on the death of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, marking the end of her decades-long political rivalry with exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The “Battle of the Begums,” as it was known, saw the two women alternate in power, often prosecuting each other and fueling political instability. The article traces their complex relationship, from their brief alliance against autocratic President Ershad, to their increasingly bitter confrontations, fueled by differing ideologies and political alliances. It highlights key moments, such as Khaleda Zia’s initial rise to power, her embrace of Islamist parties, the boycotts of elections, and the subsequent cycles of power shifts between the two leaders. The article concludes by pointing to the potential for radical Islamists to benefit from the absence of both women in the upcoming elections, and questions whether their parties can move beyond the cycle of vengeance that has characterized Bangladeshi politics.
News Article:
End of an Era: Khaleda Zia’s Death Signals End to ‘Battle of the Begums’ in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh – December 30, 2025 – Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has died, bringing an end to her decades-long political feud with exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The rivalry, often referred to as the “Battle of the Begums,” defined Bangladeshi politics for decades, marked by alternating periods of power, mutual accusations, and a deep division within the country.
Zia, widow of assassinated President Ziaur Rahman, and Hasina, daughter of assassinated founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were briefly allies in the late 1980s in the fight to oust autocratic President General Ershad. However, their relationship quickly soured as they vied for power, leading their respective parties – the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the Awami League (AL) – into intense competition.
The rivalry was characterized by boycotts of elections, accusations of corruption, and a stark contrast in political styles. Zia, often described as a more reserved figure, forged alliances with Islamist parties, while Hasina, a more fiery orator, maintained a secularist stance.
In a statement issued from exile in India, Sheikh Hasina offered condolences, acknowledging Zia’s contribution to democracy in Bangladesh.
Zia’s death comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, with national elections looming in February 2026. Sheikh Hasina went into exile in August 2024, the absence of both leaders raises concerns about the future direction of Bangladeshi politics. Analysts fear that the void left by the “Begums” could be exploited by radical Islamist groups seeking to undermine the country’s centrist values.
The future of the BNP and the AL is now uncertain. Observers are watching closely to see if the parties can break free from the cycle of vengeance and division that has defined their past, or whether the legacy of the “Battle of the Begums” will continue to shape Bangladeshi politics for years to come.
First Piper 