Khaleda Zia death news highlights: EAM Jaishankar to attend former Bangladesh PM's funeral in Dhaka
Khaleda Zia death news highlights: Bangladesh’s former and first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, died on Tuesday after years of ill health and imprisonment. The country's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, declared three days of mourning for former prime minister.
Khaleda Zia death news highlights: Bangladesh’s former and first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, died on Tuesday after years of ill health and imprisonment, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party announced. The country's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, declared three days of mourning for former prime minister....Read More
Zia, who was the long-time political rival of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, first became the country’s female prime minister in 1991 after leading the BNP to victory in the first free election held in more than a decade.
Although the three-time prime minister had been out of power since 2006 and spent several years either in prison or under house arrest, she and the BNP continued to enjoy strong public backing.
Tarique Rahman's emotional tribute for mother
Khaleda Zia's son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute to his mother after her passing, calling her the “mother of democracy” in Bangladesh.
“To many, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the Mother of Democracy, the Mother of Bangladesh. Today, the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations,” Rahman said in a post on X. He further recalled Khaleda as a “tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people.”
Rahman highlighted the former Bangladesh PM's stand against autocracy, fascism, and domination. “She endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution. Yet even in pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience was not loud, but it was unbreakable,” Rahman said.
Khaleda Zia death news: Key points
- Khaleda Zia served as prime minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and returned to office for a second term from 2001 to 2006.
- During her time in power, Khaleda moved the country from a presidential system to a parliamentary one, placing authority in the hands of the prime minister. She also eased restrictions on foreign investment and introduced free and compulsory primary education.
- The three-time prime minister was jailed on corruption charges in 2018 during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The government at the time also prevented her from travelling overseas for medical treatment.
- Khaleda faced several corruption cases that she described as politically driven. In January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted her in the final case, a decision that would have allowed her to contest the general election scheduled for February.
- After Hasina was removed from office in 2024, an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus allowed Zia to travel abroad. She went to London in January and returned to Bangladesh in May.
- Khaleda Zia mostly stayed away from active politics for years and did not take part in public rallies. However, she remained the BNP chairperson until her death. Her son, Tarique Rahman, has served as the party’s acting chair since 2018.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her passing and recalled her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties. He said he was “deeply saddened” by Khaleda’s death.
- Khaleda’s political rival, Sheikh Hasina, also offered condolences, calling her death a major loss to the country’s political life. “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered,” she said.
- Bangladesh’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, also expressed sorrow, saying that the country had lost a great guardian with her passing.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 10:20:23 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Fireworks, lanterns, cultural events banned in Dhaka for three days
Khaleda Zia death news updates: In view of the three-day mourning from Wednesday to Friday following the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, fireworks and firecrackers are strictly prohibited in Dhaka. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued several directives for the Bangladesh's Capital.
The release of sky lanterns and gas balloons is also forbidden, and no cultural programs will be held in open spaces.
- 30 Dec 2025, 09:19:25 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Banks, factories in Bangladesh to remain closed tomorrow
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Banks and factories in Bangladesh will remain closed tomorrow after the interim government in the country declared a public holiday as part of a three-day national mourning, The Daily Star reported.
Non-banking financial institutions will also remain closed, with trading at the country's stock exchanges also remaining suspended.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 08:40:06 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Diplomats, including Indian high commissioner, sign condolence book for former Bangladesh PM
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Several diplomats to Bangladesh, including ambassadors and high commissioners, signed the condolence book for former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, The Daily Star reported.
This included India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, Netherlands Ambassador Joris Franciscus Gerardus Van Bommel, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and Oman Ambassador Jamil Haji Ismail Al Balushi.
- 30 Dec 2025, 08:07:24 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Universities in Bangladesh suspend academic activities, postpone exams
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Dhaka University, Chittagong University and Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh have suspended academic and administrative activities following the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, The Daily Star reported.
The universities have also postponed examinations as they observe mourning.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 07:06:51 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Former Bangladesh PM to be laid to rest with full state honours
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman, PTI news agency quoted the interim government as saying.
Her funeral will be held Wednesdayafter Zohr prayers at Parliament's South Plaza and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue, PTI quoted law advisor Asif Nazrul as saying.
Following this, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.
- 30 Dec 2025, 05:52:51 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: EAM Jaishankar to travel to Dhaka to attend former Bangladesh PM's funeral
Khaleda Zia death news updates: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka on Wednesday to represent the Government of India at the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
“The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He will accordingly visit Dhaka on 31 December 2025,” a ministry release on Tuesday said.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 05:41:29 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: High-level meeting held on security for state funeral
Khaleda Zia death news updates: A high-level meeting was held for the overall security for state funeral arrangements for former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
The meeting was held at Bangladesh's ministry for home affairs, and was chaired by Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
- 30 Dec 2025, 05:15:10 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Preparations underway for funeral
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Preparations are underway for former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, who will be laid to rest besider her husband and former president Ziaur Rahman.
The Daily Star reported that members of Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies were deployed in and around the area, with security measures in place to maintain order during preparations.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 04:16:59 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Funeral to be held tomorrow, former Bangladesh PM to be laid to rest beside Ziaur Rahman
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia's funeral will be held on Wednesday, after prayers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in the country, The Daily Star reported.
Khaleda will be laid to rest beside former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.
- 30 Dec 2025, 03:51:00 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Bangladesh advisory council adopts condolence resolution
In a special meeting on Tuesday, Bangladesh's advisory council, chaired by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, adopted a condolence resolution on Khaleda Zia's death, The Daily Star reported.
The members of the council stood in silence for one minute and offered prayers, following which the resolution was read out by Bangladesh's environment, forest and climate change, and information adviser Rizwana Hasan.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 03:36:57 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Nepal interim PM Sushila Karki mourns Khaleda Zia's death
Nepal's interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Tuesday mourned the death of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh,” Karki said, extending condolences to Khaleda's family, friends and the people of Bangladesh.
Karki recalled Khaleda's legacy of public service, lauding her “enduring leadership” and calling her a “true friend of Nepal.” “…She will be remembered for her significant role in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations,” Karki added.
- 30 Dec 2025, 03:25:57 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi condole former Bangladesh PM's death
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Kharge said, “On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Bangladesh’s Former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.” He further highlighted Khaleda's role in shaping Bangladesh's political journey. “My sincere condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh,” Kharge said.
Rahul in a post on X said he was “saddened” by the passing of Khaleda, and said her role in Bangladesh's political journey was “significant.”
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- 30 Dec 2025, 03:02:44 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Tarique Rahman pays tribute to mother, recalls her legacy
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday paid an emotion tribute to mother Khaleda Zia, while lauding her resilience and her contribution to the country's politics.
“To many, she (Khaleda Zia) was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the Mother of Democracy, the Mother of Bangladesh. Today, the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations,” Rahman said in a post on X.
He further shared Khaleda's presence in his life as a “tender and loving mother”. “Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy,” Rahman said in the post.
- 30 Dec 2025, 02:23:09 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Bangladesh national flag to be flown at half-mast
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Quoting the Chief Advisor's press wing, BBC Bangla reported that during the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and on all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 02:10:44 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: She will be remembered in political history, says Bangladesh President
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Bangladesh President Md Shahabuddin expressed deep grief over the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, calling it an irreparable loss for the nation.
In a condolence message, the president said Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising role in the struggle to establish democracy and protect the rights of the people would be remembered in Bangladesh’s political history, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
He prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and extended his condolences to her family, party leaders and supporters.
The president also urged the people of Bangladesh to honour Khaleda Zia’s memory and pray for her eternal peace.
- 30 Dec 2025, 02:02:44 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina's rivalry over the years
Khaleda Zia death news updates: The Hasina-Zia rivalry led to them being called “the battling Begums”, a term that uses an Urdu honorific for influential women.
Although the two women joined hands in 1990 to topple military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, their bitter rivalry over the years coined the term “Battle of the Begums” to describe their relationship. Read full story here.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 01:59:23 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: BNP leader to be laid to rest next to Ziaur Rahman, 'namaz-e-janaza' tomorrow
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia passed away this morning and will be laid to rest next to her late husband Ziaur Rahman on Wednesday. According to the Dhaka Tribune, he 'namaz-e-janaza' will take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building.
- 30 Dec 2025, 01:46:56 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: One-day public holiday declared in Bangladesh
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Owing to former PM Khaleda Zia's death, a one day public holiday and national mourning for three days has been declared in Bangladesh, Daily Star reported on Tuesday. Eighty-year-old Zia died after days of battling an illness. The BNP leader was the first female PM of Bangladesh and had served two terms in office, once in the 90s and once in the early 2000s.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 01:33:40 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: 'Day of profound sorrow', says Yunus on Khaleda Zia's passing away
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Bangladesh interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed condolences over the death of 80-year-old former PM Khaleda Zia. "Today is a day of profound sorrow for our nation. The leading figure of democratic politics in the country is no longer among us... Her extraordinary role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture, and the rights of the people will remain forever etched in history... During this difficult period for the nation, we must remain united. I urge everyone to remain vigilant so that no one can exploit this moment of mourning to create instability or engage in acts of sabotage. We all must act responsibly during this time... I announce three days of state mourning, and a one-day general holiday tomorrow on the day of her funeral prayer...," Yunus reportedly said.
- 30 Dec 2025, 01:23:28 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: China mourns death of Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia death news updates: China also conveyed its condolences, with the Chinese leadership mourning Zia's demise and reaffirming continued friendly relations with the BNP, the state-run BSS news agency reported.
In a condolence letter addressed to Zia's son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said the former prime minister was a steadfast champion of freedom and a key figure in her country's political history.
Yao said Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have separately conveyed their condolences to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 01:11:01 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Khaleda Zia's son reacts to mother's death
Khaleda Zia death news updates: "My mother is no more," Zia's elder son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) acting Chairman Trique Rahman said.
Zia was a three-time prime minister and held the position of chairperson of BNP.
- 30 Dec 2025, 01:02:31 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Khaleda Zia remained BNP chairperson until death
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Khaleda Zia was silent about politics for years and did not attend political rallies, but she remained the BNP chairperson until her death. Rahman has been the party’s acting chair since 2018.
She was last seen at an annual function of the Bangladesh military in Dhaka Cantonment on Nov. 21, when Yunus and other political leaders met her. She was in a wheelchair and appeared pale and tired.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 12:47:38 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Zia's funeral to be held on Wednesday
Khaleda Zia death news updates: Khaleda Zia's funeral will be held on Wednesday, as Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday announced a three-day mourning and a one-day general holiday following the death of the former prime minister.
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. - 30 Dec 2025, 12:37:35 PM IST
Bangladesh news live updates: Mamata Banerjee condoles death of former Bangladesh PM
Bangladesh news live updates: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, whom she called a "prominent public leader."
"Saddened by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a prominent public leader. I extend my condolences to her family, friends and followers," Banerjee posted on X.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 12:24:53 PM IST
Bangladesh news live updates: Khaleda Zia to be buried beside her late husband
Bangladesh news live updates: Khaleda Zia is expected to be buried next to her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said.
Bangladesh has declared three days of mourning for former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
- 30 Dec 2025, 12:19:26 PM IST
Bangladesh news live updates: Khaleda Zia's India connection explained
Bangladesh news live updates: Khaleda Zia was born in Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, which was then part of the undivided Dinajpur district in British India, on August 15, 1945.
After the Partition, Khaleda and her family moved to Dinajpur town, which is now in Bangladesh. She first studied at Dinajpur Missionary School and later joined Dinajpur Girls’ School in 1960. More details here.
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- 30 Dec 2025, 12:09:17 PM IST
Bangladesh news live updates: Yunus govt declares 3 days of mourning
Bangladesh news live updates: Bangladesh has declared three days of mourning for former prime minister Khaleda Zia, with her funeral to be held on Wednesday.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, in a television broadcast to the nation, appealed for calm.
"I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline while observing all forms of mourning, including the funeral prayers. I know you are all deeply emotional at this time," Yunus said.
- 30 Dec 2025, 12:02:06 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif condoles Zia's death
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: In a statement posted on X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.”
He added, “Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My Government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!”
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- 30 Dec 2025, 11:54:06 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: PM Modi mourns Zia's death, hails her contributions to India–Bangladesh ties
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reacted to former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's death, recalling her contributions to the India-Bangladesh relations in the past.
Mourning the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader's loss, PM Modi said he was “deeply saddened” to have learnt of her passing. Read more here.
- 30 Dec 2025, 11:48:45 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Sheikh Hasina mourns death of arch-rival
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Ousted prime minister of Bangladesh and arch-rival of Khaleda Zia, Awami League Chairperson Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed condolences on the passing of the BNP leader.
“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered,” she said.
She added, “Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh's political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia's soul.”
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- 30 Dec 2025, 11:25:48 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Bangladesh's first woman prime minister dies
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia, who became Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991 and went on to develop a bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina as they spent decades trading power, died on Tuesday after a long illness.
Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said that she died after a prolonged illness.