Exiled former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed condolences over the passing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her death as a “profound loss” for the country’s political life.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and one of the nation’s most influential political leaders, died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. The BNP announced her death on social media, stating that she passed away around 6 am, shortly after offering Fajr prayers.
Sheikh Hasina’s condolence message was shared by the Awami League on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, marking a rare moment of reconciliation in a political rivalry that defined Bangladesh’s politics for decades.
Sheikh Hasina on Khaleda Zia Death: ‘Her Contributions Will Be Remembered’
In her statement, Hasina acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s historic role in shaping Bangladesh’s democracy and political institutions.
“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” the message read.
She added that Khaleda Zia’s role as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and her contribution to democratic governance would be remembered.
“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,” the statement said.
Hasina noted that Khaleda Zia’s death marked a major loss not only for the BNP but also for the broader political life of the country.
“Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina expresses condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) December 30, 2025
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I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to… pic.twitter.com/gqvSEzzVlS
Decades-Long Political Rivalry
Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia were principal political rivals for more than three decades, with their leadership shaping Bangladesh’s electoral contests, governments, and national discourse. Their rivalry defined the country’s politics from the 1990s onward, often polarising public opinion and influencing major policy decisions.
Despite this long-standing rivalry, Hasina’s condolence message struck a respectful and conciliatory tone, focusing on Khaleda Zia’s political legacy rather than past differences.
Prayers for Khaleda Zia and Her Family
In her message, Hasina also offered prayers for Khaleda Zia’s soul and extended sympathies to her family and party members.
“I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul,” she said.
She conveyed her condolences to Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, and to the BNP leadership.
“I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family. I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family,” the statement added.
Hasina concluded by praying for patience and strength for those mourning the loss.
“I hope that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time.”
Sheikh Hasina in Exile
The condolence message comes at a time when Sheikh Hasina is living in exile in India, after being ousted from power in August last year amid widespread unrest in Bangladesh. Her message was released through party channels, underscoring the significance of Khaleda Zia’s death even amid ongoing political uncertainty.
Who Was Khaleda Zia
Begum Khaleda Zia was born in Jalpaiguri, then part of the undivided Dinajpur district of British India. She entered politics after the restoration of parliamentary democracy and made history in 1991 by becoming Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister.
The daughter of Iskandar Ali Majumder and Taiyaba Majumder, Khaleda Zia later served a second term as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, establishing herself as one of the most powerful figures in the country’s political history.
She is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman. Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in exile and currently serves as the BNP’s acting chairman. He is widely viewed as a key contender in the upcoming national elections.
Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, passed away several years ago in Malaysia.
Long Battle With Illness
Khaleda Zia had been suffering from ill health for several years and frequently travelled abroad for medical treatment. She most recently returned to Dhaka in May after receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
Doctors cited by Reuters said she was battling advanced liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart and chest-related complications.
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