BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo : Collected

DINAJPUR, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS) - The death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was born in Dinajpur, has deeply saddened the people of the district. 

Her passing has cast a heavy shadow of mourning across the area, with party leaders, activists, and local residents all expressing their grief.

When the news of Begum Zia's death broke this morning, people from all corners of Dinajpur, including leaders and activists from 13 upazilas, 103 unions, and 9 municipalities, gathered at the BNP district office in Ganeshtala. 

The sadness was evident in the eyes of everyone present, as they mourned the loss of their beloved leader.

Dinajpur District BNP President, Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, talk to BSS with deep sorrow, saying, “We do not understand anything except the daughter of our Dinajpur, the BNP Chairperson." He recalled meeting Begum Zia just days ago, after she had been nominated as a candidate for the Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency. He shared how her childlike demeanor had won their hearts and how, as a district, they were eagerly working towards her election.

 "That dream remained just a dream. We have lost her today at a time when the nation needs her the most," Dulal added.

District BNP General Secretary Bakhtiyar Ahmed Kochi also expressed his grief, remembering Begum Zia as the daughter of Dinajpur who rose from a housewife to become a strong political leader. “She led the country during times of crisis with strength and determination. We take pride in her contributions,” he said. “Such a leader will not be born again. We have lost a guardian in the political arena today.”

District BNP Senior Vice President Md. Mokarram Hossain emphasized how much Begum Zia’s leadership meant for the development of Dinajpur. He pointed out the establishment of institutions like the Dinajpur Medical College, Zia Heart Foundation, and Zia Hospital and Research Center, all of which were made possible due to her efforts. “We will continue to implement the dreams she left behind,” Hossain stated.

Former headmistress of Dinajpur Government Girls' High School, Rawshnara Chobi, also told BSS, recalling Begum Zia’s time as a student at the school. "We were always proud that she was one of us, and now we are mourning the loss of a great leader," she said.

Begum Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur. She was the third of five siblings. Her father, Iskander Majumder, was a businessman, and her mother was Begum Taiba Majumder. 

The family moved to Dinajpur when Khaleda was young, and she grew up in the town. Begum Zia attended Mission School in Dinajpur from a young age and later graduated from Dinajpur Government Girls' High School in 1960.

After marrying Ziaur Rahman in 1960, she became known as Khaleda Zia.

Her political career began in the 1980s, and she rose to prominence during a period of national crisis. Begum Zia led the country through turbulent times, and she became the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Despite her roots in Dinajpur, she never contested elections from her birthplace until now.

In the upcoming thirteenth national elections, Begum Khaleda Zia had announced her candidacy for Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency, a historic moment for the people of the district. 

Her nomination was submitted by district BNP leaders on December 28, creating excitement among the residents. However, with her passing, that dream of seeing her represent Dinajpur will remain unfulfilled.

The loss of Begum Zia has been felt not only by her party but by people across all sectors of society. The District BNP, other political parties, and community organizations have expressed deep condolences. Messages of tribute have been pouring in from the Chamber of Commerce, Dinajpur Press Club, and various business and professional organizations, all acknowledging her contributions and leadership.

In their condolence messages, they paid tribute to her life and legacy, praying for the eternal peace of her departed soul.