Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- When Bangladesh returned to democracy in 1991 after nearly a decade of authoritarian rule, the moment carried both relief and expectation.

At the centre of that transition stood Begum Khaleda Zia, who not only became the country's first female prime minister and the second woman head of government in the Muslim world after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, but also emerged as a defining figure in rebuilding democratic governance at a critical juncture in the nation's history.

Her first term in office coincided with a period when Bangladesh urgently needed political stability, economic confidence and a new development direction.

Under Khaleda Zia's leadership, the country began opening its economy, strengthening institutions ...