Latest update: Khaleda Zia's demise

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city. She was 80.

Here is Views Bangladesh's latest update on her demise...

Australia condoles death of Khaleda Zia

Australia has expressed condolences over the death of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, conveying sympathy to the people of Bangladesh at this time of mourning.

In a condolence message, the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh said, "Our thoughts are with the people of Bangladesh on the passing of their former Prime Minister, leader and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Begum Khaleda Zia."

Canada mourns death of Begum Khaleda Zia

Canada has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, the country has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Bangladesh.

In a condolence message on Tuesday, the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh said, “Canada expresses its sincere condolences to the family and the people of Bangladesh on the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.”

The High Commission also said, “Canada hopes that her family will find the strength and patience to bear this difficult time.”

Three-day state mourning for Khaleda Zia, general holiday on Wednesday

The government has declared a three-day state mourning starting from Wednesday following the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, a one-day general holiday will be observed on Wednesday.

The decisions were taken at a special meeting of the Advisory Council held at the state guest house Jamuna on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Before the meeting began, the participants observed a one-minute silence standing in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia. Later, a doa and munajat was held seeking forgiveness for her departed soul, conducted by Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain.

During the meeting, a condolence motion was adopted over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Rizwana Hasan.

Khaleda Zia's death an irreparable loss to nation: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed profound sorrow and shock at the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message today, the President said, "The death of Begum Khaleda Zia has caused irreparable loss to the nation."

The Head of State prayed for the eternal peace of Begum Zia and expressed deep condolences to her bereaved family and followers.

President Shahabuddin urged the countrymen to pay respect to the memory of the deceased and offer prayers and supplications for her.

US condoles death of Khaleda Zia

The United States expressed condolences over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her role in shaping Bangladesh's modern history.

In a condolence message, the US Embassy in Dhaka said, "The United States extends deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia."

Referring to her political legacy, the embassy said, "Mrs. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country's modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh's development."

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister condoles death of Khaleda Zia

Pakistan's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has condoled the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

He posted a message on his X handle on Tuesday (December 30).

He wrote, "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia."

Ishaq Dar also wrote, "May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala grant her a high place in Paradise and grant the bereaved family patience. Amen."

Sheikh Hasina mourns Khaleda Zia's death

Sheikh Hasina mourns Khaleda Zia's death Hasina has expressed deep shock at the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message on Tuesday, she said that Begum Khaleda Zia's contribution as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and in the movement to establish democracy was immense. Her death is an irreparable loss to the current politics of the country and the leadership of BNP.

In her condolence message, Sheikh Hasina prayed for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, she expressed deep condolences to her son Tarique Rahman and other bereaved family members.

In addition, she said to the leaders and activists of BNP, may Allah Almighty give them all the strength and patience to overcome this grief.


Narendra Modi expresses deep grief

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He posted this condolence message on social media on Tuesday (December 30).

In his condolence message, he called Begum Zia an important political figure in the history of Bangladesh.

In his condolence message, Narendra Modi said, "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the strength to bear this grief."

He also said, "As the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her significant contribution to the development of the country and strengthening India-Bangladesh relations will be remembered forever."

Reminiscing about himself, the Indian Prime Minister said, "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that his vision and political legacy will guide our bilateral partnership in the future."

In the closing part of the condolence message, Narendra Modi said, "May her soul rest in peace."


Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called BNP leaders to inform them that the Council of Advisers will discuss issues, including state honour and burial arrangements for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a media briefing at Evercare Hospital, Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser would place the matter before a meeting of the Council of Advisers scheduled for 10am.

He said the decisions taken would later be coordinated with the government’s programmes.

Fakhrul also said a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee would be held.

“The mother of democracy and our national guardian left us at 6am. This loss is irreparable. The nation will not be able to make up for it,” he said.

He said Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the people and that her death has created a political vacuum in the country.

Chief Adviser mourns death of Begum Khaleda Zia

The Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former Prime Minister, symbol of the democratic movement and BNP Chairperson.

In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said, "With the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its great guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death."

Professor Yunus said, "Begum Khaleda Zia was not just the leader of a political party; she was an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Considering her contribution, long struggle and the people's passion for her, the government declared her as a very important person of the state this month."

The Chief Adviser said, "Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. As a result of her uncompromising leadership, the nation has repeatedly been freed from undemocratic conditions and has received inspiration for liberation." The nation will remember her contribution to the country and the nation with respect.

Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and strong morale have always shown the way for the welfare of the nation. With her death, the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.

The chief adviser said that three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Chairperson of BNP, who led the fight to restore democracy against dictatorship.

He said that the strong leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, who came to the political field from a housewife in 1982 after the death of her husband, former President and Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, played a major role in bringing down the long 9-year rule of dictator Ershad.

The chief adviser also said that many of Begum Khaleda Zia's actions and decisions have taken the country a long way. She introduced unpaid education and stipends for girls, which is considered a milestone in the progress of women's education in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said that Begum Khaleda Zia was extremely successful in her political career. She never lost any election. She was elected from five different parliamentary seats in the general elections from 1991 to 2001. In 2008, she won all three seats she contested.

The Chief Adviser said that after being elected as the Prime Minister in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the country's economy through economic liberalization.

The Chief Adviser said that Begum Khaleda Zia was a unique symbol of struggle and resistance during Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime. Her uncompromising role has greatly inspired the nation in the long struggle.

The Chief Adviser added that Begum Khaleda Zia was a victim of extreme political vendetta because of her political success. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in a false and fabricated case and had to spend a long time in prison.

The Chief Adviser expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved family and party leaders and activists on the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

On this day of irreparable loss to the nation, he called on the countrymen to remain calm and patient and requested them to pray and supplicate for Begum Khaleda Zia from their respective positions.

BNP announces seven-day mourning programme

BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme marking the death of party chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Black flags will be hoisted at all party offices for a week from Tuesday.

Party leaders and activists will wear black badges during this time.
In addition, BNP will keep a condolence book open at all offices, including the Naya Paltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson's office.

The programme was announced by party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi after the party officially announced the news of Khaleda Zia's death on Tuesday.

"These are the initial programmes. More programmes will be announced later," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters before announcing the programme.

BNP also said that a decision will be made later on the funeral and burial.

BNP Leaders and activists gather in front of Evercare Hospital

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia died early Tuesday while undergoing treatment.

Since the party confirmed the news of her death, BNP leaders and activists have started gathering in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Many of them are trying to enter the hospital premises. However, the police have stopped them with barricades.

The news of Khaleda Zia's death has caused grief among party leaders and supporters across the country.

Meanwhile, the party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that a seven-day mourning programme has been announced across the country on the occasion of the death of the party chairperson. During this time, prayers and Quran recitation will be completed.

He called on the countrymen, including leaders and activists, to participate in the programme.

Rizvi said that a condolence book will be opened in each district office of BNP.

He also said that the details of the funeral and burial will be announced later.

The death of the country's first female Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who had been undergoing treatment for a long time, has cast a shadow of deep grief over the country's politics.

China expresses deep sorrow over the death of Khaleda Zia

China has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. On Tuesday (December 30), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his feelings in a condolence message sent to Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain.

In the condolence message, Wang Yi said that he was deeply saddened by the news of Begum Khaleda Zia's death. He expressed his sincere condolences to the Bangladesh government and people.

The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that Begum Khaleda Zia was a senior and influential politician of Bangladesh, who maintained friendly relations with China and played an important role in the development of China-Bangladesh relations. During her prime ministership, the two countries built a long-term cooperative partnership based on friendship, equality and mutual benefit.

In the condolence message, China respectfully recalled the contributions of Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that her role in the progress of China-Bangladesh relations was significant.

It also said that China is willing to continue working with Bangladesh in the future - to carry forward the friendship forged by the senior generations of leaders of the two countries, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, and further consolidate the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Khaleda Zia's namaz-e-janaza likely on Wednesday

BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's namaz-e-janaza may take place on Wednesday (December 31) at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

Party's standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed gave this information.

He said, 'Initial discussions are underway on the party-wide preparations for the funeral. However, the final decision will be announced after consulting all concerned. A final decision will be taken in this regard at the BNP standing committee meeting this afternoon.'

Khaleda Zia may be laid to rest next to Ziaur Rahman's grave

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may be buried next to the grave of her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

He said that after the namaz-e-janaza on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, Khaleda Zia may be laid to rest next to the grave of her husband and late President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan located next to the Parliament Building area.

May Allah accept Khaleda Zia as a guest of Jannah: Jamaat Ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed grief over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

In a Facebook status on Tuesday (December 30), he wrote, ‘May Allah Almighty have mercy on former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, forgive her and accept her as a beloved guest of Jannah (Paradise).’

‘May Allah Almighty grant patience to her relatives, loved ones and colleagues. Amen.’ said the Ameer.

The death of the country’s first female Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marks the end of a prominent leader’s presence in the country’s politics.

Politicians mourn Khaleda Zia's death

Leaders of various parties have expressed their condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

In a statement this morning, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh expressed deep grief.

In their condolence messages, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh President Maulana Ubaidullah Faruk and Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi said that Begum Khaleda Zia was a visionary politician, a patriotic and courageous voice. She played an important role in protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, Islamic values ​​and the interests of the country. In her death, the nation lost an experienced and struggling leader.

National Liberation Council Secretary Faizul Hakim, in a statement, expressed deep grief over the demise of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and said that her name will remain in the history of the country's democratic struggle as an uncompromising leader.

The statement said that the people will remember her uncompromising role in the movement to overthrow the dictatorial government of military ruler General Ershad in the 1980s. She was steadfast in the movement against the fascist government of fascist Sheikh Hasina and against Indian aggression.

Zonayed Saki, the chief coordinator of the Ganasamhati Andolan, expressed his condolences on Khaleda Zia's death in a Facebook status.

Condoling the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairman of the Islami Ganotantrik Party MA Awal said that the death of the most important political leader of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, has created a void in politics like never before. I remember this former Prime Minister with deep regret and sorrow.

Former MP MA Awal expressed his condolences to Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman and the bereaved family.

In his speech, MA Awal said that whenever Bangladesh's independence and democracy were in danger, Begum Zia stood by the country and the people with all her strength. That is why people know her as a mother, a leader of the land and the people.