Leaders from across the world have expressed condolences over the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
In separate condolence messages issued on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveyed their sympathies, while the European Union extended condolences to the people of Bangladesh, among others.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia’s contributions to the country’s development and to India-Bangladesh relations would be remembered. Recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015, Modi said he hoped her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral relations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
In a post on X on Tuesday, she wrote: “I am saddened by the demise of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and one of its prominent leaders Begum Khaleda Zia. I extend my condolences to her grieving family, friends, and political colleagues.”
Pakistan
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sadness at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia. In a statement, he said her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development had left a lasting legacy.
Describing Khaleda Zia as a committed friend of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said his government and the people of Pakistan stood with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of grief. He offered prayers for her soul and condolences to her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed deep shock at her death in a message posted on social media platform X. He prayed for the forgiveness of her soul and asked Allah Almighty to grant her a high place in paradise and patience to the bereaved family.
European Union
In a condolence message, the European Union said it expressed its deepest sympathies to the people of Bangladesh on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Germany
The German Embassy in Dhaka also expressed deep sorrow, describing Khaleda Zia as the three-time prime minister of Bangladesh, the country’s first female head of government, former first lady and BNP chairperson. In its message, the embassy said she played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape over her long career.
The embassy recalled her longstanding engagement with Germany, including meetings with German foreign minister Joschka Fischer during his visit to Dhaka in 2004 and with then German president Christian Wulff during her state visit in 2011, as well as other high-level interactions over the years.
Germany said it honoured her contribution to national life and extended condolences to her family, colleagues and the people of Bangladesh, reaffirming its commitment to the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
France
The French Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and the country’s first female head of government.
Throughout her long public career, Begum Zia played an important role in shaping Bangladesh’s national life, said the embassy in a message on Tuesday.
"Her legacy will be remembered," France said.
At this time of mourning, France extended its thoughts to her family, her party, and the people of Bangladesh.
Australia
Australia on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, conveying sympathy to the people of Bangladesh at this time of mourning.
In a condolence message, the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Bangladesh on the passing of their former prime minister, leader and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Begum Khaleda Zia."
Japan
Japan on Tueday expressed profound sorrow at the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling her contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In a condolence message, Saida Shinichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bangladesh, said, "It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and esteemed Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
He said Japan extended deepest condolences to Zia's family, the members of the BNP, and the Government and people of Bangladesh.
Recalling her bilateral engagements, he said: "During her tenure as Prime Minister, Her Excellency Begum Zia visited Japan twice, making invaluable contributions to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our nations."
He expressed Japan government's sincere gratitude for her dedicated efforts and remarkable achievements. "May her soul rest in eternal peace," he added.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.
In a condolence message, the British High Commission in Bangladesh said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh."
The High Commission also extended its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh at this very sad time.
Iran
The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to the leadership and members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a condolence message, the embassy described Khaleda Zia as a prominent national leader who played a significant role in the political history of Bangladesh and made notable contributions to democratic governance and public life throughout her career.
During her tenure as prime minister, the embassy said, Bangladesh maintained constructive and friendly relations with Iran, based on mutual respect and cooperation.
It also conveyed its deepest sympathy to her family, including her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as her colleagues and supporters, and wished peace for her departed soul.
Nepal
Nepalese Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed sorrow over the death of Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh," she said in a message.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nepal, the Nepalese Prime Minister extended her heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh.
Begum Zia leaves behind a legacy of lifelong public service, with her enduring leadership marking a historic chapter in the democratic journey of her country, he said.
"As a true friend of Nepal, she will be remembered for her significant role in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations. May her departed soul rest in eternal peace," said the Nepalese Prime Minister.
Russia
The Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh on Tuesday said they are deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
"Russia will remember her with gratitude for the cordial relations maintained with our country during her three tenures as the head of the Government," said the embassy.
The embassy extended their sincere condolences to her family, friends and fellow party members.
Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday morning.