Dhaka Correspondent
The death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has created a profound void in the country’s political history. After a prolonged illness, she passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at the age of 80 at a private hospital (Evercare) in Dhaka. Her demise has cast a shadow of grief not only over Bangladesh but also across the international arena. Heads of state, heads of government, and diplomatic representatives from around the world have expressed deep condolences, recalling Khaleda Zia’s democratic struggle, women’s leadership, and role in state governance.
In a condolence message, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, said that Begum Khaleda Zia was an important symbol of Bangladesh’s democratic movement. Her struggle for multiparty politics and the establishment of people’s rights will remain memorable in history, he noted, urging the nation to remain calm and disciplined during this period of mourning.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in Bangladesh’s development and in strengthening India–Bangladesh bilateral relations was noteworthy. He remarked that her political legacy would continue to guide relations between the two countries in the future.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his condolence message, said that Khaleda Zia had left a lasting contribution to Bangladesh’s development and progress. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed deep sorrow and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Speaking on behalf of China, the Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka, Wu Wen, described Begum Khaleda Zia as a resolute figure in Bangladesh’s political history and expressed hope that China’s friendly relations with the BNP would continue.
Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa said that Khaleda Zia’s death was not only a loss for Bangladesh but also a major setback for regional democracy. He also recalled her role in SAARC and regional cooperation.
Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, in his condolence message, said that Japan–Bangladesh relations reached new heights during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as Prime Minister, and that her contributions further strengthened the friendship between the two nations.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Dhaka said that Khaleda Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s modern history and was a pioneer in the field of women’s empowerment.
The European Union, the German Embassy, the French Embassy, the Australian High Commission, and the British High Commission, in separate condolence messages, paid deep tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia’s political contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on Bangladesh’s national life.
Begum Khaleda Zia’s death is being viewed by the international community not merely as the passing of a former Prime Minister, but as the end of an important chapter in South Asian democratic politics. Analysts believe that her role in women’s leadership, multiparty democracy, and the building of state relations will continue to inspire future generations. Following her death, the BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme, and an atmosphere of grief prevails across the country. These messages of condolence from world leaders are being seen as a reflection of international sympathy and respect for Bangladesh.