Bangladesh Observes State Mourning After Death of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

rki.news

Bangladesh is observing a period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and senior political leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away early Tuesday morning in Dhaka at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.
Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and long serving chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died at a private hospital in the capital at around 6:00 a.m. local time, according to a statement released by her party. Her death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, where she remained a central and influential figure for decades.
Following the announcement, supporters and party workers gathered outside the hospital, holding portraits and banners as they mourned her passing. Many described her as a symbol of resilience and political determination, while others reflected on her long and often turbulent political journey.
The interim government of Bangladesh has declared three days of state mourning, beginning Wednesday, in honor of the former prime minister. During this period, national flags will be flown at half mast across the country, and official events have been scaled back as a mark of respect.
Khaleda Zia served as prime minister during two separate terms and played a key role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape, often in sharp rivalry with other major political forces. Despite years of political challenges and health struggles, she remained a powerful symbol for her supporters.
Leaders from across the political spectrum and civil society have expressed condolences, acknowledging her lasting impact on the nation’s political history.