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Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Bhutan today conveyed formal condolences to Bangladesh as a high-level delegation paid respects at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. On behalf of the people and the government of Bhutan, Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel offered condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh. During the visit, condolence messages from the King of Bhutan, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan were formally handed over to BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. The Bhutanese delegation, comprising senior government officials and led by Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, attended the state funeral following a royal command from the King. The delegation also participated in prayers and other ceremonial proceedings, reflecting Bhutan's deep respect and solidarity on the passing of the veteran Bangladeshi leader.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said he held a meeting with an Indian diplomat that was kept confidential at the diplomat’s request, according to an interview he gave to British news agency Reuters. Rahman said the Indian diplomat asked him to keep the meeting secret, which is why it was not disclosed earlier. He said that while diplomats from other countries meet political leaders openly, the Indian representative requested that the meeting be kept confidential. There is no alternative to improving mutual relations,” Rahman said. However, a source in the Indian government told Reuters that New Delhi is maintaining contacts with various political parties in Bangladesh.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, personally lowered Khaleda Zia’s body into the grave. Earlier in the day, at 8:54am, Khaleda Zia’s body was taken from Evercare Hospital to Gulshan. At around 11:05am, the vehicle carrying Khaleda Zia’s body departed from Tarique Rahman’s residence in Gulshan-2 for Manik Mia Avenue. At the same time, Tarique Rahman followed the hearse in a red-and-green bus. Extensive security measures were put in place across the capital centring on Khaleda Zia’s janaza and burial.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He was received at the airport by the Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with his flight landing at around 11:50am. Bhutan also sent high-level condolences, with a delegation led by Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, minister for foreign affairs and external trade, attending the state funeral following a royal command. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma attended the funeral on behalf of his government and later met Tarique Rahman to express condolences. BNP chairperson and three-time former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday to convey condolences over the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Ahead of the namaz-e-janaza, the Pakistani speaker met BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Zia at the Parliament building. The Speaker also handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Tarique Rahman. Paying tribute to Begum Zia, Sadiq recalled the special bond she shared with Pakistan and her commitment to revitalizing historical ties, mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He also recalled his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and appreciated their messages of condolence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s passing has created an irreplaceable void, but her vision and legacy will endure. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar handed over the personal letter from PM Modi to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. "She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction, and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh," said the Indian Prime Minister. He prayed to the Almighty to grant Tarique Rahman and his family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting, said BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan. During the discussion, he said the two sides exchanged views on issues related to mutual interest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Shairul said the Sri Lankan foreign minister expressed condolences on behalf of his country and conveyed sympathy to Tarique Rahman and his bereaved family over the death of his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and the party’s Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - The government has transferred 17 commissioners of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). “They have been transferred in a notification signed by Mohammad Abul Mansur, Senior Assistant Secretary of Customs and VAT Administration-1 of the National Board of Revenue last day,” said a release this evening. The notification said with the approval of the authorities concerned and through the Election Commission Secretariat of Bangladesh Election Commission, the order issued in the public interest to come into effect immediately. This has done due to the approval of the officials and employees working in the offices of the Customs and VAT sub-divisions under the NBR for the purpose of posting to newly created offices and inter-departmental transfers, it mentioned. The above officers are requested to send a copy of their joining letter to the NBR’s Customs and VAT Administration-1 Branch, the release added.

CA consoles Tarique Rahman on his arrival at janaza venueChief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today consoled BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman over the death of his mother three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Prof Yunus extended the condolence when bereaved Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Begum Zia, arrived at the venue of his mother’s namaj-e-janaza at the Manik Mia Avenue here this afternoon, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus along with millions of people joined the Namaj-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. A number of foreign dignitaries also joined the funeral process of Begum Zia, who is widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh. Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female prime minister of Bangladesh, breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.

An ocean of people today bid their last farewell to revered leader, BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia with tearful eyes and heavy hearts. Earlier, the body of Khaleda Zia was taken to her son Tarique Rahman's residence from Evercare hospital with state protocol. Khaleda Zia had been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart and lung, liver and kidney, diabetes, arthritis and eye-related ailments. Under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, BNP formed a 7-party alliance in 1983 and launched a movement against the autocratic regime of Ershad. Khaleda Zia contested five constituencies in three consecutive parliamentary elections and won in all the seats.

The year 2025 ended amid sustained protest movements, with teachers’ demands remaining largely unresolved despite repeated assurances from the government. However, despite the year’s end, teachers’ demands remain unmet, with affected groups preparing to reassert their claims from next year. Professor Dr Nazrul Islam Khan, principal of International Education College and president of the Private Teachers’ Training College Teachers’ Association, said prolonged protests harmed students but could have been avoided. He noted that entry-level assistant teachers earn around Tk17,000, insufficient even in semi-urban areas, while head teachers earn about Tk19,000. Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association President Md Shamsuddin Masud and Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association (Shahin–Lipi) General Secretary Khairun Nahar Lipi described the demands as justified.

Bangladesh welcomes the New Year on Thursday with quiet reflection, renewed hopes, and heightened security, as people across the country usher in 2026 amid a changed political and social landscape. This year’s New Year arrives in a sombre atmosphere following the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, three-time former head of government, and chairperson of the BNP. He noted that, in the changed context following the July mass uprising, the New Year holds particular significance for the nation. “In the new year, we will face all the challenges together and build a discrimination-free Bangladesh based on equality and justice,” Prof Yunus said, adding that bonds of harmony, friendliness, and brotherhood should be further strengthened. Many people marked the day through family gatherings, prayers, and personal resolutions.

Maximum security enforced as nation prepares to bid farewell to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - The government has put in place maximum security arrangements for the state funeral, janaza, burial and public tributes of former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. According to officials, Khaleda Zia's state funeral will be held at Manik Mia Avenue adjacent to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. She will later be laid to rest at Zia Udyan, beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at around 6:00 am on December 30.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The Namaz-e-Janaza, held at Manik Mia Avenue, drew senior representatives from South Asia and beyond, reflecting Begum Khaleda Zia’s enduring stature on the regional and international stage. He conveyed the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of India and later expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide the development of Bangladesh–India relations. The message described remembering Khaleda Zia her as an uncompromising leader committed to safeguarding independence and sovereignty. Their collective presence reflected the wide diplomatic regard for Begum Khaleda Zia, whose long political career left a deep imprint on Bangladesh’s democratic journey and its relations with neighbouring and friendly nations.