Kumar Bahukhandi
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar – File Photo
Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, passed away on Tuesday December 30, 2025 morning in Dhaka. She was 80 years old. She had been on a ventilator in the hospital for the past several days. She was suffering from liver, kidney, and diabetes-related illnesses.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The External Affairs Minister will depart for Dhaka on December 31. Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80 years old.
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Begum Khaleda Zia. He will travel to Dhaka for this purpose on December 31.
PM Modi expresses condolences
PM Modi wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. May God grant her family the strength to bear this tragic loss.”
Cordial meeting in 2015, hope her vision and legacy will guide
Regarding her contribution to the bilateral relations between the two countries, PM Modi wrote, “As the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her significant contributions to the development of Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh relations will always be remembered. I recall my cordial 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.”
Returned to Bangladesh in May this year
Khaleda Zia returned to the country in May after receiving treatment in the UK. Earlier, in early January, the interim government of Bangladesh had granted her permission to travel abroad. The Sheikh Hasina government had previously rejected her request to travel abroad at least 18 times.
Party announces seven days of mourning
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced seven days of official mourning on Tuesday following the death of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Condolence books have been placed at the BNP’s central office, the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka, and district offices so that members and the general public can write a few words in her memory and pay their respects.
What did the Chief Advisor of the interim government say?
The Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, also expressed his condolences on the death of the former Prime Minister. He also announced three days of state mourning in the country. In a message broadcast on television, Yunus said, “Maintain discipline and law and order during the funeral prayers and the period of mourning throughout the country.” He said, “Upon the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, I declare three days of national mourning and a public holiday tomorrow on the day of her funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza).”
