The first female Prime Minister and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away on December 30, 2025, at age 80 after a prolonged illness. Multiple credible news outlets confirmed her death at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been treated for complications including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart issues.
She died around 6:00 AM local time, shortly after Fajr prayer, as announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
Admitted on November 23 for a lung infection, her condition worsened despite recent legal clearances from corruption charges in early 2025.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness, praising Zia’s posted on X, PM Narendra Modi wrote, “
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. May her soul rest in peace. 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.”
