DHAKA, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS)- Condolences continue to pour in across the country for three-time  former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, who passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the ministries for environment, forest and climate change and water resources, has expressed deep shock at the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia. 

In a condolence message today, the adviser said the death of Begum Khaleda Zia marked the end of an important and glorious chapter in the political history of Bangladesh. 

"Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in the country will be remembered," Rizwana said. 

She said the nation will forever remember with respect the role Khaleda Zia played in environment, infrastructure, women's education, health, social development and strengthening democratic institutions during her tenure as the premier.

In another condolence message, Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In his message, the adviser said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was an important figure in the democratic politics of Bangladesh. With her passing, the nation lost a great guardian. This death is an irreparable loss for the nation.”

Ali Imam Majumder said Begum Khaleda Zia was an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Considering her contribution, long struggle and people's sentiment towards her, the government declared her as a very important person of the state this month, he added. 

The adviser said her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. The nation will remember her uncompromising leadership and her contribution to the country and the nation with respect, he added. 

Her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and strong morale have always shown the way for the welfare of the nation, he said.

In her death, the Adviser said the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.

Besides, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In her message, the adviser said, Khaleda Zia took charge as the country's first female Prime Minister through free and fair elections. It was during her leadership that Bangladesh returned from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary democracy, she added. 

She said Begum Khaleda Zia played an important role in the expansion of formal education in Bangladesh, the advancement of women's education, women's empowerment, the expansion of the small economy and the development of the SME sector. She also had a strong role in the development of the fisheries and livestock sectors, the adviser added.

The advisers prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Besides, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a message of condolence, she said with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country has lost an important political guardian. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death,” she added. 

Sharmin S Murshid said Begum Khaleda Zia was not just the leader of a political party; she was an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Considering her contribution, her long struggle and the people's affection for her, the government has declared her as a very important person of the state this month, she added. 

The adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia's many actions and decisions have taken the country a long way forward. She introduced unpaid education and stipends for girls, which is considered a milestone in the progress of women's education in Bangladesh, she added. 

She said her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. People will always remember her contribution to the country and the nation with respect. Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and strong morale have always shown the way for the welfare of the nation, she added. 

Meanwhile, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the adviser said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was an important and influential leader in the political history of Bangladesh. The nation will remember her role in the struggle for democracy and multi-party political system and the rights of the people with respect.”

He prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia was a three-time Prime Minister of the country and a courageous, wise and uncompromising political leader. Her contribution to the movement for the establishment of democracy, multi-party political system and people's rights in Bangladesh will be remembered in history, he added. 

Sakhawat Hossain said Begum Khaleda Zia was a shining symbol of strong leadership and protest in the movement against dictatorship and fascism. 

“Her strong role in the long political struggle has inspired the nation. The nation will forever remember her contribution to the country and the nation with respect. She made an outstanding contribution to the restoration of democracy and the development of multi-party politics in this country. Her visionary leadership and unforgettable work will always inspire us,” he added.

Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the adviser said, “The death of Begum Khaleda Zia marks the end of an important and glorious chapter in the political history of Bangladesh. Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in the country will ever be remembered. The nation will forever remember with respect the role she played in consolidating the country's democracy and strengthening democratic institutions.”

In another condolence message, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

The Adviser said, “She will ever be remembered in the history of the country for her continuous struggle for the transition to parliamentary democracy, the development of multi-party political culture and the realization of people's rights. Her guidance in the socio-economic and economic progress of the country has been unforgettable. The people of the country will ever be remembered her rich contribution to the progress of the country and the nation with respect.”

In another condolence message, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) leaders have expressed profound shock at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also expressed deep shock at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a message of condolence, the leaders of the organization said that the country has lost an honest and patriotic leader through her (Begum Zia) death.

Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as an uncompromising national leader on the issues of democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

In a joint condolence message, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju and General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad described Begum Khaleda Zia as a unique and inseparable figure in Bangladesh’s democratic political history. 

They said her role in the country’s liberation-related politics and inclusive democratic movement would remain unforgettable.

The leaders stated that during her three terms as Prime Minister and throughout her long political career, Khaleda Zia played a historic role in protecting democracy, national interests, and human rights. 

They noted that she remained at the forefront of anti-dictatorship and anti-fascist movements for decades, providing uncompromising leadership.

The AB Party prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and extended heartfelt condolences to her family, including her children, party leaders and activists, and the people of Bangladesh. 

Khelafat Majlis has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message issued today, Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Abdul Quader conveyed their heartfelt condolences at the demise of the veteran political leader. 

They prayed to Allah Almighty for the forgiveness of her departed soul and extended sincere sympathy to her bereaved family members.

The Khelafat Majlis leaders said Begum Khaleda Zia was a leader who upheld Islamic values and moral principles. 

They noted that her refined political conduct and restrained language added dignity to her personality and leadership.

They further stated that Khaleda Zia played an uncompromising role in safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh and stood firmly against tyranny and fascism throughout her political life. 

Her long struggle for the country and its people, they said, will be remembered by the nation for generations to come.

Khulna Press Club convenor Enamul Haque and member secretary Rafiul Islam Tutul have expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Vice Chancellor Dr Md Showkat Ali has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a symbol of uncompromising leadership, a pioneer of the re-establishment of multi-party democracy and the Chairperson BNP.

Rangpur Division Journalists Association, Dhaka has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Jashore Science and Technology University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Mazid also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Engineer Md Rezaul Karim has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigusti has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a message of condolence, organization’s acting president Habibul Alam and general secretary Jamsed Anowar Tapan said 

They said that with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh has lost a guardian who fought till death to establish democracy in the country and made the highest sacrifice of her life. The nation will forever remember her initiatives and role in building a liberal democratic society in post-independence Bangladesh, promoting women's education, and building a modern Bangladesh, they added.

In another condolence message, Sri Sri Janmastami Udjapan Parishad has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.

She was 80. 

The three-time former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, had been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart and lung, liver and kidney, diabetes, arthritis and eye-related ailments. She had a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting in her heart.

She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following the advice of her medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She had also been suffering from pneumonia.