During her third term, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia focused on fulfilling election pledges, boosting domestic resources in economic development, and attracting international investment from countries like the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. She aimed at restoring law and order, promoting regional cooperation through a "look-east policy," and enhancing Bangladesh's participation in UN peacekeeping efforts. Her administration was praised for its role in education, poverty alleviation, and achieving a strong GDP growth rate.

Zia's third term saw continued economic growth, with the GDP growth rate remaining above 6%, an increase in per capita income, a boost in foreign exchange reserves, and a rise in foreign direct investments. 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.^[31]

Zia's foreign policy initiatives included strengthening bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, improving conditions for Bangladeshi workers, engaging with China on trade and investment matters, and attempting to secure Chinese funding for infrastructure projects. Her visit to India in 2012 aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and regional security, marking a significant diplomatic effort to work collaboratively with neighboring countries for mutual benefits.^[32]