Wednesday, 31 December, 2025
Bangladesh is enveloped in deep shock and grief following the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in the nation’s political history. Her passing marks the end of an era and has prompted an outpouring of sorrow, reflection, and tributes both nationally and internationally.
Messages of condolence have poured in from the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and other countries, reflecting the global recognition of her enduring impact on Bangladesh and the region.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, addressing the nation, announced three days of state mourning beginning tomorrow and declared a general holiday on the day of her Namaz-e-Janaza. “Today, our entire nation stands still in deep grief and sorrow… With her death, the nation has lost a great guardian,” he said. Extending heartfelt condolences, he called upon citizens to pray for her departed soul and for strength for her family, particularly her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar following her Janaza at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue after Johr prayers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members confirmed the details of the funeral proceedings and called for strict discipline, urging participants to respect the solemnity of the occasion.
The Council of Advisers convened a special meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Professor Yunus, to mourn her death. Members observed a minute’s silence and offered prayers for her departed soul. Condolence books will also be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and public and private buildings throughout the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers and Munajat will be held in mosques and places of worship of other religions nationwide.
The news of Khaleda Zia’s death spread rapidly, casting a shadow of sorrow across the country. BNP offices nationwide were filled with grieving leaders, supporters, and citizens, while party flags were lowered to half-mast. Thousands gathered to pay tribute to a leader whose life shaped decades of political discourse, mobilised millions, and left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic struggle.
Begum Khaleda Zia, widow of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, rose from a largely apolitical life to become one of Bangladesh’s most influential leaders. She steered the BNP through turbulent political waters for decades and played a pivotal role in the mass uprising that ended military rule, steering Bangladesh toward democratic governance. Her tenure as Prime Minister was marked by landmark achievements, as well as controversies, but her contribution to shaping the country’s political landscape is undeniable.
Messages of condolence also came from leaders across Bangladesh, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, and other political and social leaders. International dignitaries and observers recognised her as a key South Asian political figure whose leadership influenced both domestic and regional politics.
BNP has declared seven days of mourning, during which black flags will be hoisted at party offices nationwide, leaders and activists will wear black badges, and prayers will be held at every office. Condolence books have been opened for citizens and political leaders to pay tribute and write messages honouring her life and service.
As Bangladesh grieves, Begum Khaleda Zia’s life will be remembered for her steadfast leadership, her role in restoring parliamentary democracy, and her unwavering commitment to the BNP and the people she served. Her passing leaves a profound void in the nation’s political landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Bangladeshis.
Since the announcement of Begum Khaleda Zia’s death, a cross-section of people—including leaders and workers of the BNP and its affiliated organisations—have gathered outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she passed away at 6:00 am today.
Many mourners were visibly emotional, expressing their grief to the media in tearful voices. A Quran recitation and special doa mahfil were held at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, with hundreds of leaders and activists seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the party Chairperson. BNP sources said similar prayers were offered at mosques and other places of worship across the country.
Party offices nationwide have become centres of mourning, as leaders and workers organised programmes in accordance with directives from the BNP high command.
Bogura mourns its daughter-in-law
Our Bogura correspondent reports a profound sense of grief has gripped the district. Since Tuesday morning, large crowds have gathered in several areas, particularly in Bagbari of Gabtoli upazila, a location closely associated with the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. A prayer mahfil was held there, seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed leader.
As a daughter-in-law of Bogura, Begum Khaleda Zia shared a close domestic and emotional bond with the people of the district. Born Khaleda Khanam Putul on 15 August 1945 in Dinajpur, she moved to Bagbari village in 1960 after marrying Ziaur Rahman, then a captain in the Pakistan Army. During the Liberation War and in subsequent years, she led a quiet life as a homemaker, caring for her family and children.
Feni mourns its native daughter
In Feni, a pall of gloom has fallen over the district following her death. Khaleda Zia hailed from Sreepur village in Fulgazi upazila. She was a five-time Member of Parliament for Feni-1, served three terms as Prime Minister, and led the opposition twice. Her leadership brought significant development to the district, and her passing is mourned by people from all walks of life, many of whom remember her as a key figure in Feni’s political and infrastructural transformation.
Dinajpur pays tribute to its native daughter
Dinajpur correspondent reports that the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister has deeply saddened the local population. Party leaders, activists, and residents from 13 upazilas, 103 unions, and nine municipalities gathered at the BNP district office in Ganeshtala to mourn their beloved leader. The grief was palpable, with many shedding tears as they recalled her enduring contributions to Bangladesh’s political life.
International and institutional tributes
The passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, recognised as an uncompromising champion of democracy, received extensive international media coverage. Leading agencies and outlets, including AFP, AP, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, PTI, and The Times of India, reported on her long political career and enduring legacy.
A range of national organisations and professional bodies have expressed condolences, including the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), University Grants Commission (UGC), Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University (JU), University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Mohanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh Badminton Federation, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, and Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University.
Dhaka University authorities announced three days of mourning, suspending all classes and examinations from Tuesday to Thursday. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) expressed full support for the government’s decision and requested a one-day holiday at all affiliated factories on 31 December.
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Bangladesh is enveloped in deep shock and grief following the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in the nation’s political history. Her passing marks the end of an era and has prompted an outpouring of sorrow, reflection, and tributes both nationally and internationally.
Messages of condolence have poured in from the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and other countries, reflecting the global recognition of her enduring impact on Bangladesh and the region.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, addressing the nation, announced three days of state mourning beginning tomorrow and declared a general holiday on the day of her Namaz-e-Janaza. “Today, our entire nation stands still in deep grief and sorrow… With her death, the nation has lost a great guardian,” he said. Extending heartfelt condolences, he called upon citizens to pray for her departed soul and for strength for her family, particularly her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar following her Janaza at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue after Johr prayers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members confirmed the details of the funeral proceedings and called for strict discipline, urging participants to respect the solemnity of the occasion.
The Council of Advisers convened a special meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Professor Yunus, to mourn her death. Members observed a minute’s silence and offered prayers for her departed soul. Condolence books will also be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and public and private buildings throughout the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers and Munajat will be held in mosques and places of worship of other religions nationwide.
The news of Khaleda Zia’s death spread rapidly, casting a shadow of sorrow across the country. BNP offices nationwide were filled with grieving leaders, supporters, and citizens, while party flags were lowered to half-mast. Thousands gathered to pay tribute to a leader whose life shaped decades of political discourse, mobilised millions, and left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic struggle.
Begum Khaleda Zia, widow of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, rose from a largely apolitical life to become one of Bangladesh’s most influential leaders. She steered the BNP through turbulent political waters for decades and played a pivotal role in the mass uprising that ended military rule, steering Bangladesh toward democratic governance. Her tenure as Prime Minister was marked by landmark achievements, as well as controversies, but her contribution to shaping the country’s political landscape is undeniable.
Messages of condolence also came from leaders across Bangladesh, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, and other political and social leaders. International dignitaries and observers recognised her as a key South Asian political figure whose leadership influenced both domestic and regional politics.
BNP has declared seven days of mourning, during which black flags will be hoisted at party offices nationwide, leaders and activists will wear black badges, and prayers will be held at every office. Condolence books have been opened for citizens and political leaders to pay tribute and write messages honouring her life and service.
As Bangladesh grieves, Begum Khaleda Zia’s life will be remembered for her steadfast leadership, her role in restoring parliamentary democracy, and her unwavering commitment to the BNP and the people she served. Her passing leaves a profound void in the nation’s political landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Bangladeshis.
Since the announcement of Begum Khaleda Zia’s death, a cross-section of people—including leaders and workers of the BNP and its affiliated organisations—have gathered outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she passed away at 6:00 am today.
Many mourners were visibly emotional, expressing their grief to the media in tearful voices. A Quran recitation and special doa mahfil were held at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, with hundreds of leaders and activists seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the party Chairperson. BNP sources said similar prayers were offered at mosques and other places of worship across the country.
Party offices nationwide have become centres of mourning, as leaders and workers organised programmes in accordance with directives from the BNP high command.
Bogura mourns its daughter-in-law
Our Bogura correspondent reports a profound sense of grief has gripped the district. Since Tuesday morning, large crowds have gathered in several areas, particularly in Bagbari of Gabtoli upazila, a location closely associated with the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. A prayer mahfil was held there, seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed leader.
As a daughter-in-law of Bogura, Begum Khaleda Zia shared a close domestic and emotional bond with the people of the district. Born Khaleda Khanam Putul on 15 August 1945 in Dinajpur, she moved to Bagbari village in 1960 after marrying Ziaur Rahman, then a captain in the Pakistan Army. During the Liberation War and in subsequent years, she led a quiet life as a homemaker, caring for her family and children.
Feni mourns its native daughter
In Feni, a pall of gloom has fallen over the district following her death. Khaleda Zia hailed from Sreepur village in Fulgazi upazila. She was a five-time Member of Parliament for Feni-1, served three terms as Prime Minister, and led the opposition twice. Her leadership brought significant development to the district, and her passing is mourned by people from all walks of life, many of whom remember her as a key figure in Feni’s political and infrastructural transformation.
Dinajpur pays tribute to its native daughter
Dinajpur correspondent reports that the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister has deeply saddened the local population. Party leaders, activists, and residents from 13 upazilas, 103 unions, and nine municipalities gathered at the BNP district office in Ganeshtala to mourn their beloved leader. The grief was palpable, with many shedding tears as they recalled her enduring contributions to Bangladesh’s political life.
International and institutional tributes
The passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, recognised as an uncompromising champion of democracy, received extensive international media coverage. Leading agencies and outlets, including AFP, AP, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, PTI, and The Times of India, reported on her long political career and enduring legacy.
A range of national organisations and professional bodies have expressed condolences, including the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), University Grants Commission (UGC), Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University (JU), University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Mohanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh Badminton Federation, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, and Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University.
Dhaka University authorities announced three days of mourning, suspending all classes and examinations from Tuesday to Thursday. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) expressed full support for the government’s decision and requested a one-day holiday at all affiliated factories on 31 December.
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