"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” read her statement that was posted on the Awami League’s X account. “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several world leaders, including Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, also offered their condolences. The years thereafter may have seen some positive moments in the chequered relationship with Khaleda's party, but the mistrust stayed on as neither side made serious attempts to bridge the gulf of differences. Most political observers in Bangladesh think that the country's polity will take a new turn after Khaleda's death.

Source: The Telegraph December 30, 2025 11:56 UTC