Bangladesh Ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies Aged 80

Bangladesh's ​first female prime ‌minister, ​Khaleda Zia, died after a prolonged illness, ​her opposition ⁠Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said ​on ⁠Tuesday (December 30, 2025).

“The BNP Chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6.00 a.m., just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the party said in a statement.

“We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul,” it added.