The death of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has sparked an outpouring of condolences worldwide. Leaders and officials highlighted her pioneering role as the first female leader of Bangladesh and her contributions to the country’s democratic and political development.

Khaleda Zia passed away in a Dhaka hospital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 79.

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National Reaction in Bangladesh

Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, expressed “profound sorrow” over the passing of the three-time prime minister. He called Khaleda Zia a “symbol of the democratic movement”, praising her efforts to establish multi-party politics, democracy, and citizens’ rights.

“I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death,” Yunus said, noting that her contributions to Bangladesh will be remembered forever.

Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia’s longtime political rival and current Awami League leader in exile in India, also offered condolences. She emphasized:

“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. Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).”

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International Tributes

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his reaction as “deeply saddened” and extended his sincerest condolences to Khaleda Zia’s family and the people of Bangladesh.

“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,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.

Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called Zia a “committed friend of Pakistan” and praised her lifelong service to Bangladesh.

“Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” Sharif said.

United States

The US Embassy in Dhaka extended its deepest condolences, recognizing her pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s modern history.

“Mrs. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country’s modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s development,” the embassy stated.

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Legacy of Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia remains a historic figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, having:

• Served as the first female Prime Minister of the country.
• Led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for decades.
• Played a central role in establishing democracy and multi-party political culture.
• Left a legacy of resilience, leadership, and service to the nation, despite her frequent political rivalries.

Her death has marked a moment of national mourning, with Bangladeshi citizens and international leaders alike paying tribute to her decades-long contributions to politics and society.