PM Modi Mourns Khaleda Zia's Death, Remembers Her Role In India-Bangladesh Relations

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s death on Tuesday morning. In a post on social media, PM Modi said he was "deeply saddened" to hear about her passing and offered condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. 

PM Modi also recalled his 2015 meeting with the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) leader in Dhaka, early in his first term as India's prime minister. He said her “vision and legacy” had helped shape the partnership between India and Bangladesh, and that her contributions to bilateral ties would be remembered. 

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. 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."

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.

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.

As the… pic.twitter.com/BLg6K52vak

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025

Who Was Khaleda Zia and What Happened?

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in her country's politics, died early on Tuesday in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80. Zia had been under treatment for heart and lung infections, and her condition deteriorated in recent weeks before her passing, according to party and hospital statements. 

Zia made history as the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and led the BNP for decades. Her death comes at a sensitive time, with Bangladesh preparing for elections and facing political tensions at home. The BNP has declared a week of mourning.