PM Modi mourns Khaleda Zia’s death: ‘Hope her vision & legacy will continue to guide Indo-Bangla partnership’

I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership.

May her soul rest in peace.

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… pic.twitter.com/BLg6K52vak

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025

Yunus calls Khaleda Zia ‘a great guardian of the nation’

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.

Chief Adviser’s Condolence message on the Death of Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia

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

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expresses condolences

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a post on X, Dar said, “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia. May Allah SWT grant her a high place in Jannah and patience to the bereaved family. Ameen.”

Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

May Allah SWT grant her high place in Jannah and patience to the bereaved family. Ameen.🤲 pic.twitter.com/aiJITyhzlW

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 30, 2025

Khaleda Zia was suffering from advanced cirrhosis

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.

Late Khaleda Zia’s tenure as Bangladesh Prime Minister

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.