An opinion article published by Amar Desh on August 15, 2026 assesses former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s political legacy on her first birthday after death. The author argues that her significance extended beyond being a three-time prime minister, portraying her as a figure whose resilience, self-respect and resistance appealed strongly to young people and women. The article describes her as a rare leader who became part of a generation’s political imagination.

The piece highlights her role in the anti-Ershad movement of the 1980s, which it says established her image as an uncompromising leader. It links her appeal to nationalist language focused on dignity, independent decision-making and national interests. The author also cites pressure, cases, imprisonment, illness and political adversity during Hasina’s long rule, arguing that these circumstances reinforced her image as a leader who did not retreat. The article nevertheless acknowledges controversies involving conflict in parliamentary politics, political violence, politicisation and administrative weaknesses.

According to the article, Zia contested 23 seats across five national elections from 1991 to 2008 and won all of them. It says some participants in the July movement found inspiration in her resistance, while cautioning against treating all young people as politically uniform. The author frames her legacy around courage, electoral rights, democracy and opposition to injustice.