PM Modi condoles Khaleda Zia's death, recalls role in India-Bangladesh ties

PM Modi highlighted Khaleda Zia's contributions as Bangladesh's first woman prime minister and said her vision and legacy will continue to guide India-Bangladesh ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed on Tuesday.

 

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss." 

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.  Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.  As the… pic.twitter.com/BLg6K52vak

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025

  Remembering her political legacy, PM Modi highlighted her contributions as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister. "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. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015."

 

 

He added, "We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace."

 

Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness

 

Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. She had been put on a ventilator on December 11.

 

She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 on the advice of her medical board after doctors found infections in her heart and lungs, The Daily Star reported.

 

The report said Zia had returned from London on May 6 and was receiving advanced medical care in Dhaka. She had been undergoing regular medical check-ups at the hospital since then.

 

Zia’s death comes as Bangladesh prepares for national elections in February 2026. It also follows the return of her son and senior BNP leader Tarique Rahman last week after years in exile. Rahman left Bangladesh after his 2007-08 arrest, later moving to London. After the Awami League government fell in 2024, he was cleared in several cases, allowing his return.