Condolences pour in from world leaders over Khaleda Zia’s death

Published : Tuesday, 30 December, 2025 at 5:11 PM Count : 4

World leaders, including the prime ministers of India and Pakistan, have extended deepest condolences on the passing of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Besides, countries like the US, China, Japan, Germany, France, and Iran have expressed condolences.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that Khaleda's vision and legacy will continue to guide the Dhaka-Delhi partnership.

"I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Modi said in a message.

"Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," he added.

As the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as Bangladesh-India relations, will always be remembered, PM Modi said.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Khaleda Zia.

"Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy," he said in a message.

Khaleda Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan, said the Pakistan Prime Minister.

"My government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!".

The US embassy in Dhaka said in a message that Khaleda played a pivotal role in shaping her country's modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh's development.

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh's democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom.

"With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, former prime minister of Bangladesh, and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister, have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain.

Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation's history, and her resilience has inspired its people.

"She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said.

"Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia's soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the ambassador.

The German Embassy in Dhaka also expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Khaleda Zia.

In her long public career, Khaleda Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh's political landscape, the embassy said in a message.

Germany recalled its engagement with her over the decades, including her meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer during his 2004 visit to Dhaka, as well as her meeting with German President Christian Wulff during his state visit in 2011.

"She also engaged in other high-level meetings with senior German representatives over the years," said the Embassy.

At this moment of loss, Germany honours her contribution to national life and extends its sympathy to her family, her party, and the people of Bangladesh.

Germany said it remains committed to the enduring friendship between our two countries. "May she rest in peace."

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has expressed sorrow over the death of BNP Chairperson.

"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 in a condolence message.

The ambassador said they extend their deepest condolences to her family, the members of the BNP, and the government and people of Bangladesh.

During her tenure as prime minister, Khaleda Zia visited Japan twice, making invaluable contributions to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our nations, said the ambassador.

"We express our sincere gratitude for her dedicated efforts and remarkable achievements. May her soul rest in eternal peace," he said in his message.

The French Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed its deepest condolences. Throughout her long public career, Khaleda Zia played an important role in shaping Bangladesh's national life, said the Embassy in a message today.

"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.

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to the leadership and members of BNP.

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, as well as her colleagues and supporters, and wished peace for her departed soul.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep sorrow over the death.

In a post on X, 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."

FP/MI