Chairperson of the  Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS) - The Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) has expressed 
deep sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message issued here today, ERF said Begum Khaleda Zia, a 
three-time former prime minister and wife of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, 
passed away this morning at Evercare Hospital in the capital.
 
In the message, ERF President Daulot Akter Mala and its General Secretary 
Abul Kashem said the nation has lost an important political personality with 
the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia. Her death has created a major void in the 
country's political landscape, they added.

Begum Khaleda Zia was not merely the head of a political party but a key 
figure representing an important chapter in Bangladesh's political history, 
they said, adding, "Her role in the development of a multi-party democratic 
system and in movements to establish democracy and people's rights will be 
remembered in history."

The ERF leaders recalled that Begum Khaleda Zia served as the country's first 
woman prime minister and led movements against autocratic rule. Her 
contribution to the struggle for the restoration of democracy during periods 
of military rule will be remembered with due respect by the nation.

They also noted that her political career was long and eventful. Despite 
numerous challenges, she remained actively involved in politics for decades, 
which remains a significant reality in the country's political history.

The ERF also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended 
its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.