Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. She had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since late November, battling complications related to her heart, lungs, and pneumonia.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that EAM Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka to attend the funeral, underscoring India’s respect for Zia’s legacy and her role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, recalling her contributions to India-Bangladesh relations and her historic position as the country’s first woman premier.
Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister and was a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades. Her leadership was marked by efforts to restore democracy after military rule and by her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, which defined much of the nation’s political discourse.
The funeral is being held with full state honours in Dhaka, with dignitaries from across the region expected to attend. Bangladesh has declared three days of mourning to honour her memory.
