Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia died on December 30, 2025. She was 80 and had been suffering from a long illness, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said. Doctors confirmed that she had advanced liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart- and chest-related problems.
According to the BNP, Khaleda Zia died around 6:00 am, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party expressed condolences and urged people to pray for the peace of her soul. Her funeral rites are expected to take place tomorrow at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.
Khaleda Zia served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006. She was married to former president Ziaur Rahman and had a long political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. In later years, she faced legal difficulties but was acquitted earlier this year.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
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.
As the… pic.twitter.com/BLg6K52vak
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025
