Khaleda Zia Death News Live Updates: Md Yunus says Zia was symbol of resistance under ‘fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina’

Begum Khaleda Zia Passed Away at 80 Today Live News Updates: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80, her party said. A three-time premier and longtime BNP leader, she was a key figure in Bangladesh politics for decades.

Khaleda Zia Death News Live Updates: Former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, a central figure in the country’s politics for more than three decades and the first woman to lead the government, has died at the age of 80, her party said on Tuesday.  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced her death in a statement. She had faced corruption cases she said were politically motivated, but in January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted Zia in the last corruption case against her, which let her run in February’s election. In fact, Zia’s nomination for the February 12 elections was filed a day ago from the Feni-1 constituency.

Who was Khaleda Zia: Khaleda Zia served three terms as prime minister — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. Her long political rivalry with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shaped Bangladesh’s politics for a generation. During her first term, her government restored the parliamentary system and expanded access to education, including free primary schooling and free education for girls up to Class 10. Her son Tarique Rahman, who is currently the acting chairman of the BNP, returned to Bangladesh last week after 17 years abroad. Her political career was marked by periods of imprisonment, illness and long legal battles, alongside repeated confrontations between the BNP and the ruling Awami League.

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What has been happening in Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia’s death comes ahead of elections scheduled for 12 February. In recent months, Bangladesh has seen political tension and public debate around governance, democracy and minority rights. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last week expressed concern over what it termed “unremitting hostilities” against minorities in Bangladesh, following the lynching of two Hindu men. However, Dhaka rejected criticism from New Delhi over attacks on minorities, saying India’s comments overlooked Bangladesh’s history of communal harmony. At the same time, opposition politics has shifted with Tarique Rahman’s return, which BNP members say has energised party workers ahead of the polls.

Live Updates
Dec 30, 2025 11:33 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: Md Yunus says Zia was a symbol of resistance under 'fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina'

The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia — three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the BNP. In a condolence message, the Yunus said that with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, "the nation has lost a great guardian. I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death."

He further said that during Sheikh Hasina’s fascist rule, Begum Khaleda Zia stood as a unique symbol of struggle and resistance. Her uncompromising stance greatly inspired the nation throughout a long period of struggle.

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Dec 30, 2025 10:37 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: US says Zia shaped Bangladesh's modern history, extends condolences

US offers condolences over the death of Khaleda Zia: "Mrs. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country’s modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s development," the US embassy in Dhaka stated.

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Dec 30, 2025 10:33 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: Big blow to BNP and nation, says party leader

BNP general secretary Mirza Islam was quoted as saying by news agency ANI: "This is a great setback for BNP and for the entire nation because Begum Khaleda was not an ordinary leader of BNP. She was the guardian of the whole nation, especially at this juncture of transition to democracy. This is a great loss for the nation as a whole. As in the past, the people of Bangladesh could come out successfully with all their problems. This time too, they will also come out with the inspiration taken from Begum Khaleda, who was a great, great democratic leader. The nation will never forget her."

Dec 30, 2025 10:09 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia terms as Prime Minister

First Term (1991–1996): Introduced major economic reforms, restructured local government, and restored parliamentary governance. Lost the 1996 election to Sheikh Hasina.

Second Term (2001–2006): Formed an alliance with Islamist parties and won nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats. Introduced a constitutional amendment reserving 45 seats for female MPs and promoted girls’ education. Her administration faced allegations of corruption and a rise in militant activity.

Dec 30, 2025 10:07 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: PM Modi expresses sorrow over former Bangladesh PM's death, says 'hope her vision & legacy will continue to guide partnership'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow over the passing of Khaleda Zia. "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 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. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," PM Modi said.

Dec 30, 2025 09:46 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Pakistan Dy PM Ishaq Dar offers condolences

Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has mourned the death of Khaleda Zia. "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). May Allah SWT grant her high place in Jannah and patience to the bereaved family," he said in an X post.

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Dec 30, 2025 09:40 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Zia's funeral procession likely to be held tomorrow, says BNP leader

Dhaka Tribune quoted BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as saying that Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza (funeral procession and prayers) may be held on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka tomorrow, December 31. The Manik Mia Avenue is the road directly in front of the Bangladesh National Parliament House.

Dec 30, 2025 09:34 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Who was Khaleda Zia?

Zia served three terms as prime minister — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. Her long political rivalry with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shaped Bangladesh’s politics for a generation.

During her first term, her government restored the parliamentary system and expanded access to education, including free primary schooling and free education for girls up to Class 10. Her administrations also introduced economic and administrative reforms and sought to draw foreign investment. Her son Tarique Rahman, who is currently the acting chairman of the BNP, returned to Bangladesh last week after 17 years abroad.

Zia faced several corruption cases that she said were politically motivated. Reuters reported that in January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted her in the final pending case, which would have allowed her to run in the February election.

Dec 30, 2025 09:14 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia, Former Bangladesh PM and BNP chief, dies at 80

Khaleda ‍Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at 6 AM. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party ​announced her death in a Facebook post. She was 80.

Zia served as Bangladesh’s prime minister three times — 1991-96, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001-06 — and is widely remembered for expanding access to education and initiating key economic and administrative reforms.

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