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.

Freed from prison for charges of corruption and extortion, Khaleda Zia ran for the the nation's top office against political rival Sheikh Hasina in 2008. Winning just 31 seats in parliament while Hasina secured 260, Zia was defeated. However, she has rejected the results, stating that the election was rigged.BBC: Khaleda Zia rejects 'rigged' poll (December 30, 2008)