'Profound Loss To Bangladesh's Political Life': Sheikh Hasina Condoles Khaleda Zia's Death

Last Updated:December 30, 2025, 12:25 IST

Sheikh Hasina expressed deep condolences on the death of Khaleda Zia, calling her passing a profound loss to Bangladesh’s political life.

File photos of Sheikh Hasina/Khaleda Zia (AP)

Bangladesh Awami League chairperson and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep condolences on the passing of Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her death as a profound loss to the country’s political life and to the leadership of the BNP.

In a condolence message posted by the Awami League on X, Sheikh Hasina acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s role in Bangladesh’s political history, particularly as the country’s first woman Prime Minister and as a key figure in the struggle to establish democracy.

“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," Hasina said.

She added that Khaleda Zia’s demise marked a major setback for Bangladesh’s political landscape.

“Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh ist Party," the former Prime Minister said.

Sheikh Hasina also prayed for the departed leader and conveyed her sympathies to Khaleda Zia’s family and party colleagues.

“I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul. I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family."

“I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family," she said, adding that she hoped Almighty Allah would grant them “patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time."

Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

According to a statement issued by the BNP, she died at around 6 am, shortly after the Fajr prayer. She was 80.

Zia had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 after doctors detected a lung infection during routine tests.

Her condition later worsened, and she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit.

She had been suffering from multiple chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s condolence message, her son Sajeeb Wazed also paid tribute to the late BNP chief, stating that Khaleda Zia’s death would have a deep impact on the country at a critical juncture.

“Deep condolences to the bereaved family members on the demise of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. At such a critical time when countrymen are reeling from a lack of safety, with efforts underway to destabilise and depoliticise the country, her passing away will leave a deep impact on the country’s transition," Wazed mentioned in a post on X.

Reflecting on Khaleda Zia’s political career, Wazed noted that despite challenges, she had played a significant role in shaping national policies.

“Despite being subjected to a depoliticization process in the past, throughout her political career, she achieved a host of successes and shaped several policies for the country," he said.

He further added, “She will be remembered for her contributions to nation-building, but her death is a blow to stabilizing Bangladesh," while extending prayers to her supporters and well-wishers.

After news of Khaleda Zia’s death broke, a large crowd gathered outside Evercare Hospital as party leaders, supporters, and family members arrived to pay their respects.

Her elder son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman reached the hospital to bid farewell to his mother. Senior BNP leaders were also present.

Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister, was a dominant figure in Bangladesh’s politics for decades.

Her long political journey included leading the BNP, heading multiple governments, and playing a central role in the country’s democratic movements.

Her political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladesh’s political discourse for more than three decades, shaping the nation’s modern political history.

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