Former Prime Minister and long-time Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) matriarch Begum Khaleda Zia breathed her last today, at 6 AM. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23, where she had been undergoing treatment for advanced liver cirrhosis, in addition to long-standing complications including diabetes, arthritis, and cardiac and chest-related conditions.
PM Modi expresses condolences
Several world leaders have expressed their condolences at the death of the erstwhile Bangladesh Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the time he met her in Dhaka in 2015. The Prime Minister wrote on X, "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." He added, "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. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership." He prayed for her soul to rest in peace.
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Sheikh Hasina on Khaleda Zia's demise
The Bangladesh Awami League posted a statement from ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on their X handle on the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia. The statement read, "I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia."
The statement added, "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. 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."
World leaders grieve Khaleda Zia's death
The official X handle of Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, posted a statement saying, "The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has expressed profound sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia - three-time former Prime Minister, symbol of the democratic movement, and Chairperson of the BNP."
The statement added, "He said that after the death of her husband - former President, Army Chief, and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman - Begum Khaleda Zia entered politics in 1982. Her strong leadership played a decisive role in bringing down the nine-year-long autocratic rule of HM Ershad."
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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X, "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." Expressing his solidarity with Bangladesh, Sharif wrote, "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." Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan has also expressed condolences on social media.
Khaleda Zia held the office of Bangladesh's Prime Minister on three occasions, from 1991 to 1996, for a brief period in 1996, and once more from 2001 to 2006. Following the end of military rule, the 1991 elections swept the BNP into power, paving the way for her to become the nation's first woman Prime Minister.
