PM Sheikh Hasina Offers Condolences Following Khaleda Zia’s Death

Bangladesh Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, paying tribute to her political journey and legacy.

In a condolence message shared by the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina described Khaleda Zia as an important figure in Bangladesh’s political history. She acknowledged Zia’s role as the country’s first woman prime minister and highlighted her contributions to the democratic movement. Hasina noted that Khaleda Zia’s death marks a significant loss for the nation’s political landscape as well as for the leadership of the BNP.

“I express my heartfelt condolences at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia,” Sheikh Hasina said in her message. “As the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions were meaningful and will be remembered. Her passing is a great loss to Bangladesh’s political life.”

Sheikh Hasina also offered prayers for the departed leader and extended sympathy to Khaleda Zia’s family, including her son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. She further conveyed condolences to BNP leaders and supporters, praying for strength and patience for all those mourning during this difficult time. The message concluded with a prayer seeking peace and forgiveness for Khaleda Zia’s soul.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old. According to a statement released by the BNP on social media, she died around 6 a.m., shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party appealed to the public to remember her in their prayers and asked supporters to pray for her eternal peace.

Khaleda Zia had been admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing a lung infection. For several years, she had been battling multiple health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney-related complications. Earlier this month, she had also been taken to London for advanced medical treatment as her condition required specialized care.

Following news of her passing, large numbers of supporters, party workers, and members of the public gathered outside Evercare Hospital to pay their respects. An emotional atmosphere prevailed as mourners waited to catch a final glimpse of the former prime minister. Her son, Tarique Rahman, who serves as the Acting Chairman of the BNP, arrived at the hospital later in the morning to bid farewell to his mother.

Tributes poured in from across Bangladesh’s political spectrum and beyond. Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed profound grief over Khaleda Zia’s death, describing her as a towering presence in the country’s democratic journey. In a condolence message, Yunus said the nation had lost a “great guardian” whose influence on politics would be remembered for generations.

He stated that Khaleda Zia was more than just a political leader, noting that she symbolized an important era in Bangladesh’s history. Yunus emphasized that her long-standing political struggle and the deep emotional connection she shared with the public would continue to be respected. He described her death as an irreparable loss for the country.

International leaders also paid tribute to the late Bangladeshi leader. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, recalling Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development and her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. In a post, PM Modi remembered his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015 and said her leadership and vision had left a lasting impact on bilateral ties.

“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her contributions to the country’s progress and to India-Bangladesh relations will always be remembered,” Modi said. He added that her legacy would continue to guide the partnership between the two neighboring nations and prayed for her soul to rest in peace.

Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh three times and remained one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the country’s politics for decades. Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined much of Bangladesh’s political narrative over the past several years. Despite political differences, leaders across party lines acknowledged her role in shaping the nation’s democratic institutions.

As Bangladesh mourns the loss of one of its most prominent political leaders, Insider18 reports that preparations are underway for funeral arrangements, with party leaders and supporters expected to gather in large numbers to honor her memory. Khaleda Zia’s passing closes a significant chapter in the country’s political history, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be discussed and debated for years to come.