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Prime Minister Narendra Modi profoundly grieved the passing of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, calling her a historic leader whose contributions to her nation and to India-Bangladesh relations will always be remembered.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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 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. May her soul rest in peace,” the post further read.
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
BNP Confirms Death at 80
Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) confirmed.
According to the party, she died at around 6 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been under treatment for over a month.
The BNP statement read, “The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 AM, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul.”
Doctors admitted Khaleda Zia to the private hospital on November 23 after she developed serious complications involving her heart and lungs.
Reports also noted that she battled pneumonia during her final days and remained under close medical observation for 36 days, with doctors describing her condition as fragile.
Over the years, the former Prime Minister faced multiple chronic ailments, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight.
A team of specialists from Bangladesh and abroad, including doctors from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia, oversaw her treatment.
Earlier this month, doctors advised against transferring her overseas for advanced treatment due to her weakened condition.
Widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, made history as Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, serving two terms in office.
Khaleda Zia significantly shaped the country’s political landscape and earned recognition for strengthening diplomatic ties with India.
PM Modi’s tribute underlined her enduring impact on India-Bangladesh relations, highlighting the legacy of cooperation and friendship she helped foster between the two nations.
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