Official Condolence Message
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi shared his sympathies with the people of Bangladesh and the bereaved family:
“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.”
Recalling a Diplomatic Legacy
- The 2015 Meeting: PM Modi fondly recalled his meeting with Khaleda Zia during his visit to Dhaka in 2015. He noted that her vision for the partnership between the two nations would continue to be a guiding light for future cooperation.
- A Pioneer in Governance: PM Modi acknowledged her historic role as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, serving three terms (1991–1996 and 2001–2006), during which she oversaw significant economic and educational reforms.
The Final Moments of Khaleda Zia (1945–2025)
- The Passing: Begum Khaleda Zia, 80, breathed her last at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at approximately 6:00 AM on Tuesday following a prolonged battle with multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, lung infections, and heart disease.
- Political Context: Her death comes at a transformative moment in Bangladesh. Her son and BNP Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, returned to Dhaka on December 25 after 17 years in exile.
- Upcoming Elections: Her passing occurs just weeks before the national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Notably, her nomination papers for the Bogra-7 and Feni-1 constituencies had been filed only a day before her death.
Bangladesh Mourning Period
| Event | Details |
| Mourning Period | BNP has announced 7 days of national mourning |
| Observances | Black flags at party offices, black badges for activists, and prayer meets (doa mahfils) |
| Funeral | Burial details are expected to be announced following a high-level BNP Standing Committee meeting |