Condolences have poured in from across the world following the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment in Dhaka.
Khaleda Zia died at 6:00am at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was 80. A three-time prime minister and the country’s first female head of government, her death has prompted widespread expressions of grief from international organisations and foreign leaders, reflecting her long-standing influence on Bangladesh’s politics and foreign relations.
The United Nations expressed deep sorrow at her passing. In a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the UN office in Bangladesh, the organisation said it was “deeply saddened by the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia”.
It added that, at this difficult time, the UN extends its heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones, while reaffirming its solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh.
The European Union also conveyed its sympathy. In a message published on the official Facebook page of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, the bloc said it expressed “deep condolences to the people of Bangladesh” on the death of Khaleda Zia.
The United States Embassy in Dhaka issued a condolence message at 10:35am on Tuesday through its verified Facebook page.
The statement said the US mourns the passing of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, noting that she played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s modern political history and made notable contributions to the country’s development and progress through her leadership.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, describing Khaleda Zia as a key political figure in Bangladesh’s history.
In a message shared on social media, Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by her death and extended his sympathies to her family and the people of Bangladesh. He recalled her contribution as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, particularly in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, and described her role in advancing relations as “memorable and enduring”.
Modi also referred to his meeting with Khaleda Zia in Dhaka in 2015, expressing hope that her political legacy would continue to guide future cooperation between the two countries.
China has expressed deep condolences over the death of Khaleda Zia.
In a condolence letter to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen described her as a key figure in Bangladesh’s political history and a valued friend of China. He said Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had also conveyed condolences to Bangladesh’s leadership.
The ambassador said the Communist Party of China would continue its longstanding friendly relations with the BNP and prayed for eternal peace for Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound grief. In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, he extended his condolences to Khaleda Zia’s family and to the people of Bangladesh, paying tribute to her strong leadership and her enduring role in South Asian politics.
He said her service and sacrifices for the people would always be remembered and prayed for strength and patience for her bereaved family.
In a X post, the prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, said that Khaleda Zia’s lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.
“Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My Government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” he said.
Japan likewise conveyed its condolences. In a statement, Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, said his government was deeply saddened by the death of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson.
He recalled her two official visits to Japan during her time in office, noting that they played an important role in strengthening long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Khaleda Zia had been suffering from multiple age-related health complications and had been hospitalised since 23 November, with her condition deteriorating sharply in recent days. Her death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics and has cast a shadow of mourning both at home and abroad.
The French Embassy in Dhaka said in a condolence message that throughout her long political career, Khaleda Zia played an important role in shaping Bangladesh’s national life. It extended sympathies to her family, her political party and the people of Bangladesh during this time of grief, adding that her lasting impact would be remembered.
The British High Commission also expressed deep sorrow, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
