Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She passed away in Dhaka at the age of 80.
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.
Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.
As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.
I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025
The BNP announced Khaleda Zia’s death in a Facebook post, stating that she breathed her last at 6 am on Tuesday. She had been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23.
Zia had been battling advanced cirrhosis of the liver along with diabetes, arthritis and chest and heart ailments.
Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In his condolence message, Yunus said the country had lost “a great guardian”, adding that he was deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her demise. He described Zia as more than just a party leader, he said she represented an important chapter in Bangladesh’s history.
Yunus also recalled that the government had earlier this month accorded her the status of a Very Important Person of the State in recognition of her contributions, long struggle and the profound public sentiment attached to her.
Dhaka, 30 December 2025: The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has expressed profound sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia—three-time former Prime…
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) December 30, 2025
Khaleda Zia served as Bangladesh’s prime minister three times — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again between 2001 and 2006.
After the fall of military rule, the February 1991 elections brought the BNP to power and made her the country’s first woman Prime Minister.
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