Khaleda Zia’s funeral will be held on Wednesday (December 31, 2025), as Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 30) announced a three-day state mourning and a one-day general holiday following the death of the former prime minister.

In a televised address to the nation, Mr. Yunus urged people to maintain discipline and order during the funeral prayers and the observance of mourning across the country.

“At the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, I declare three days of state mourning and a one-day general holiday tomorrow on the day of her Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers),” he said.

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Ms. Zia, the longtime chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) and a three-time prime minister, died earlier in the day in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

“I know that all of you are deeply saddened at this time. I hope that you will show patience during this time of mourning and cooperate with all those concerned who are involved in observing the formalities, including her Namaz-e-Janaza,” he said.

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.

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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