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Premiership of Khaleda Zia

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This article is about Khaleda Zia's tenure as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. For the people in her ministry, see First Khaleda ministry and Second Khaleda ministry.
Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia in 1979
Premiership of Khaleda Zia
PartyBangladesh Nationalist Party
SeatGanabhaban
First term
20 March 1991 – 30 March 1996
CabinetFirst[1]
Election1991, 1996 (Feb)
Appointed byPresident Shahabuddin Ahmed
SeatFeni-1
Second term
10 October 2001 – 29 October 2006
CabinetSecond
Election2001
Appointed byPresident Abdur Rahman Biswas
President Shahabuddin Ahmed
SeatBogra-6

Khaleda Zia's tenure as Prime Minister of Bangladesh began on 20 March 1991, when she assumed office after her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, won the general election, succeeding Shahabuddin Ahmed's interim government. Her first term lasted until 30 March 1996. She returned to office on 10 October 2001 following her party's victory in the 2001 general election.

First premiership (1991–1996)

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Begum Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for three times. Her first term was from March 1991 to February 1996, second term lasted for a few weeks after February 1996 and third term was from October 2001 to October 2006. She is particularly remembered for her role in making education accessible and introducing some key economic reforms.

First term

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Main article: First Khaleda ministry

A neutral caretaker government in Bangladesh oversaw elections on 27 February 1991[2] following eight years of Ershad presidency. BNP won 140 seats – 11 short of simple majority.[2][3] Zia was sworn in as the country's first female prime minister on 20 March 1991 with the support of a majority of the deputies in parliament. The acting president Shahabuddin Ahmed granted Zia nearly all of the powers that were vested in the president at the time, effectively returning Bangladesh to a parliamentary system. With a unanimous vote, the parliament passed the 12th amendment to the constitution in August 1991, formally ending 16 years of presidential rule.

Educational reforms

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When Begum Khaleda Zia took charge in 1991, Bangladeshi children received about two years of education on average, and for every three boys, there was one girl studying in the same classroom. Begum Khaleda Zia promoted education and vocational training very aggressively.[4] Her government made primary education free and mandatory for all. Education was made free for girls until the 10th grade.[5]

To fund the implementation of new reforms and policies, in 1994, the education budget was increased by 60%, the highest allocation amongst the formal budget sectors.[6]

In 1990, only 31.73% students passed in the SSC examination and the rate was 30.11% for female. In 1995, thanks to her policies, 73.2% students passed the SSC examination and among the female students, 71.58% passed.[7]

Economic reforms

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Some of the major economic reforms marked the First Khaleda Zia government, that included the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT), formulation of Bank Company Act in 1991 and Financial Institutions Act in 1993, and the establishment of privatization board in 1993.[8] Besides, Bangladesh signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1993.

A new export processing zone was established near Dhaka in 1993 to attract foreign investors.[9]

Administrative reforms

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The First Khaleda Zia government, to address popular demand, passed a law to allow the mayors of city corporations to be elected directly by the voters. Before that, the elected ward councilors of each ward of the city corporation used to elect the mayor of the city.[10]

Zia's administration abolished the Upazila system in November 1991. It formed the Local Government Structure Review Commission, which recommended a two-tier system of local government, district and union councils. Also the Thana Development and Coordination Committee was formed to coordinate development activities at the thana level.[11]

Second term

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When the opposition boycotted the 15 February 1996 election, Zia's party BNP had a landslide victory in the 6th Jatiya Sangshad.[12] Other major parties demanded a neutral caretaker government to be appointed to oversee the elections. The short-lived parliament hastily introduced the caretaker government by passing the 13th amendment to the constitution. The parliament was dissolved to pave the way for parliamentary elections within 90 days.

In the 12 June 1996 elections, BNP lost to Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. Winning 116 seats,[12] BNP emerged as the largest opposition party in the country's parliamentary history.

Second premiership (2001–2006)

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Main article: Second Khaleda ministry

Third term

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Zia with the President of Brazil Lula da Silva (2004)
Zia with the Prime Minister of Japan Jun'ichirō Koizumi in Tokyo (2005)
Zia with the Indian Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani in New Delhi (2006)

The BNP formed a four-party alliance[13] on 6 January 1999 to increase its chances to return to power in the next general elections. These included its former political foe the Jatiya Party, founded by President Ershad after he led a military government, and the Islamic parties of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the Islami Oikya Jot. It encouraged protests against the ruling Awami League.[14]

Many residents[15] strongly criticized Zia and BNP for allying with Jamaat-e-Islami,[13] which had opposed the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. The four-party alliance participated in the 1 October 2001 general elections, winning two-thirds of the seats in parliament and 46% of the vote (compared to the principal opposition party's 40%). Zia was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.[16]

She worked on a 100-day programme to fulfill most of her election pledges to the nation. During this term, the share of domestic resources in economic development efforts grew. Bangladesh began to attract a higher level of international investment for development of the country's infrastructure, energy resources and businesses, including from the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. Restoration of law and order was an achievement during the period.[17]

Zia promoted neighbourly relations in her foreign policy. In her "look-east policy", she worked to bolster regional cooperation in South Asia and adherence to the UN Charter of Human Rights. She negotiated settlement of international disputes, and renounced the use of force in international relations. Bangladesh began to participate in United Nations international peacekeeping efforts. In 2006, Forbes magazine featured her administration in a major story praising her achievements. Her government worked to educate young girls (nearly 70% of Bangladeshi women were illiterate) and distribute food to the poor (half of Bangladesh's 135 million people lived below the poverty line). Her government promoted strong GDP growth (5%) based on economic reforms and support of an entrepreneurial culture.[18]

When Zia became prime minister for the third time, the GDP growth rate of Bangladesh remained above 6 percent. The Bangladesh per capita national income rose to 482 dollars. Foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh had crossed 3 billion dollars from the previous 1 billion dollars. The foreign direct investments of Bangladesh had risen to 2.5 billion dollars. The industrial sector of the GDP had exceeded 17 percent at the end of Zia's office.[19]

On 29 October 2006, Zia's term in office ended. In accordance with the constitution, a caretaker government would manage in the 90-day interim before general elections. On the eve of the last day, rioting broke out on the streets of central Dhaka due to uncertainty over, who would become Chief Advisor (head of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh). Under the constitution, the immediate past Chief Justice was to be appointed. But, Chief Justice Khondokar Mahmud Hasan (K M Hasan) declined the position.[20][21][22][23] President Iajuddin Ahmed, as provided for in the constitution, assumed power as Chief Advisor on 29 October 2006.[24] He tried to arrange elections and bring all political parties to the table during months of violence; 40 people were killed and hundreds injured in the first month after the government's resignation in November 2006. Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, the presidential advisor, met with Zia and Sheikh Hasina, and other political parties to try to resolve issues and schedule elections. Negotiations continued against a backdrop of political bickering, protests and polarisation that threatened the economy.[25][26] Officially on 26 December 2006, all political parties joined the planned 22 January 2007 elections. The Awami League pulled out at the last minute, and in January, the military intervened to back the caretaker government for a longer interim period. It held power until holding general elections in December 2008.[27]

Foreign affairs

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Saudi Arabia

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Zia made some high-profile foreign visits in the later part of 2012. Invited to Saudi Arabia in August by the royal family, she met with the Saudi crown prince and defence minister Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to talk about bilateral ties.[28] She tried to promote better access for Bangladeshi migrant workers to the Saudi labour market, which was in decline at the time.[28]

China

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She went to People's Republic of China in October, at the invitation of the government. She met with Chinese leaders including Vice President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China's international affairs chief Wang Jiarui.[29] Xi became China's Paramount Leader in 2012.

Talks in China related to trade and prospective Chinese investment in Bangladesh,[30] particularly the issue of financing Padma Bridge. At the beginning of 2012, the World Bank, a major prospective financier, had withdrawn, accusing government ministers of graft.[29][31] The BNP announced that the Chinese funding for a second Padma Bridge was confirmed during her visit.[32][33]

India

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On 28 October 2012, Zia visited India to meet with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a number of officials including foreign minister Salman Khurshid, national security adviser Shivshankar Menon, foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai and BJP leader and leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj. Talks were scheduled to cover bilateral trade and regional security.[34]

Zia's India visit was considered notable as BNP had been considered to have been anti-India compared to its rival Awami League.[35] At her meeting with Prime Minister Singh, Zia said her party wanted to work with India for mutual benefit, including the fight against extremism.[36] Indian officials announced they had come to agreement with her to pursue a common geopolitical doctrine in the greater region to discourage terrorists.[37]

Controversies

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ ১৯৭১ সাল থেকে ০৭-০১-২০১৯ গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রপতি, উপ-রাষ্ট্রপতি, প্রধানমন্ত্রী ও মন্ত্রিপরিষদের সদস্যবৃন্দ এবং নির্দলীয় তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকারের প্রধান উপদেষ্টা ও উপদেষ্টা পরিষদের সদস্যবৃন্দের দপ্তর বন্টনসহ নামের তালিকা। (PDF). মন্ত্রিপরিষদ বিভাগ. Ministry Department, Government of Bangladesh. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b Dieter Nohlen; Florian Grotz; Christof Hartmann (2001). Elections in Asia: A data handbook. Vol. I. p. 537. ISBN 978-0-19-924958-9.
  3. ^ Crossette, Barbara (1 March 1991). "General's Widow Wins Bangladesh Vote". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  4. ^ Jackson, Guida M. (23 September 1999). Women Rulers Throughout the Ages: An Illustrated Guide. ABC-CLIO. p. 433. ISBN 9781576074626.
  5. ^ "Begum Khaleda Zia". Iowa State University. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  6. ^ Hossain, Golam (February 1995). "Bangladesh in 1994: Democracy at Risk". Asian Survey. 35 (2): 176. doi:10.2307/2645027. JSTOR 2645027. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  7. ^ Ahamed, Kabir (2013). Bangladesh Education Statistics 2012. Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics. p. 261.
  8. ^ "BB Orders & Other Statutes". Bangladesh Bank. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  9. ^ Bhattacharya, Debapriya (1998). Export Processing Zones in Bangladesh: Economic impact and social issues (PDF). International Labour Office. p. 9. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  10. ^ Hossain, Golam (February 1995). "Bangladesh in 1994: Democracy at Risk". Asian Survey. 35 (2): 171–178. doi:10.2307/2645027. JSTOR 2645027. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  11. ^ Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Decentralisation". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  12. ^ a b Dieter Nohlen; Florian Grotz; Christof Hartmann (2001). Elections in Asia: A data handbook. Vol. I. p. 525. ISBN 978-0-19-924958-9.
  13. ^ a b Alastair Lawson (4 October 2001). "Analysis: Challenges ahead for Bangladesh". BBC News. Archived from the original on 15 August 2002. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  14. ^ "Bangladesh (07/02)". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  15. ^ Hasan, Mubashar; Ruud, Arild Engelsen (9 March 2019). "What went wrong with the BNP, Bangladesh's main opposition party?". Al Jazeera.
  16. ^ "IPU PARLINE database: BANGLADESH (Jatiya Sangsad), Elections in 2001". archive.ipu.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  17. ^ "Bangladesh (08/08)". US Department Of State.
  18. ^ "Khaleda Zia, The Most Powerful Women - Forbes.com". Forbes. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  19. ^ Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Zia, Begum Khaleda". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  20. ^ "Violence Breaks out in Bangladesh's Capital Dhaka". China News and Report. Xinhua News Agency. 17 October 2006. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  21. ^ "Renewed violence hits Bangladesh". BBC News. 28 October 2006. Archived from the original on 5 January 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  22. ^ Roy, Pinaki (28 October 2006). "Hasan 'unwilling' to be caretaker chief". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  23. ^ "KM Hasan steps aside for the sake of people". The Daily Star. 29 October 2006. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  24. ^ Habib, Haroon (30 October 2006). "President takes over in Bangladesh". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  25. ^ Rahman, Waliur (8 January 2007). "Is Bangladesh heading towards disaster?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 November 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  26. ^ "Iajuddin wants to open talks with alliances". The Daily Star. 30 November 2006. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  27. ^ "Introduction of the caretaker government in October 2006" (PDF). Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Khaleda going to Saudi Arabia". BDNews24. 7 August 2012. Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  29. ^ a b "CPC, Bangladesh Nationalist Party to further cooperation". Xinhua. 18 October 2012. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  30. ^ "Khaleda seeks China's help". The Daily Star. 21 October 2012. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  31. ^ "Stalled Padma Bridge Project". Daily Sun. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  32. ^ "Chinese help for 2nd Padma bridge assured: BNP". The New Nation. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2012 – via HighBeam Research.
  33. ^ "China ready to help build 2nd Padma bridge: BNP". News Today. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  34. ^ "Khaleda Zia arrives in the capital, meets Sushma". Deccan Herald. 28 October 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  35. ^ "India and Bangladesh Embraceable you". The Economist. 30 July 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Mrs Zia's family dynasty ... is as against India as Sheikh Hasina's is for it.
  36. ^ "Khaleda Zia assures counter-terror cooperation to India". Yahoo! News. Indo Asian News Service. 29 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  37. ^ ভারতবিরোধী কর্মকাণ্ডে বাংলাদেশের মাটি ব্যবহার করতে দেওয়া হবে না: খালেদা জিয়া [Khaleda Zia: No anti-India activity would be allowed to use the soil of Bangladesh]. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 29 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
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