Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia waves to supporters after she was arrested, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sept. 3, 2007.
| Photo Credit: AP
Khaleda Zia, the longtime chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a three-time prime minister, died on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025) in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.
Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former prime minister.
In a condolence message, Mr. Yunus said the nation has lost one of its great guardians with the passing of Ms. Zia, The Daily Star newspaper reported. “I am deeply shocked and saddened by her death,” he said.
Khaleda Zia death LIVE
PM Modi recalls meeting with Ms. Zia in 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing condolences over Ms. Zia death, recalled his “Warm” meeting with her in 2015.
In a post on X, Mr. Modi said: “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.
Sharing pictures from 2015, he wrote, “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership.”
With PTI inputs
Published – December 30, 2025 09:55 am IST
