Bangladesh Declares Mourning After Khaleda Zia’s Death

Bangladesh has announced three days of official mourning following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 79, the country’s interim government said on Tuesday.

The interim administration also declared Wednesday a public holiday to coincide with Zia’s funeral prayers. The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the advisory council of the interim government and was announced by interim head of government Muhammad Yunus in a televised address to the nation.

Medical sources confirmed that Khaleda Zia died at around 6:00 a.m. local time after spending approximately 40 days in hospital in the capital, Dhaka.

Zia, who served multiple terms as prime minister and led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was a central figure in Bangladesh’s political life for decades and the country’s first woman to hold the post.

Condolences from Pakistan

Pakistan’s leadership expressed deep sorrow over Zia’s death. President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to her family and the Bangladeshi people, saying her leadership and services would be remembered with respect.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute, describing Khaleda Zia as a sincere friend of Pakistan. He said Islamabad stands with the people of Bangladesh during this moment of grief, offering sympathies to her family and supporters.

India Pays Tribute

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi likewise expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the passing of Bangladesh’s former leader.

In a message published on X, Modi noted that Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development, as well as to relations between India and Bangladesh, would be remembered. He described her as a pioneering figure whose role as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister left a lasting mark on the nation’s political history.

Khaleda Zia’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across South Asia, reflecting her regional influence and the significance of her legacy in Bangladesh’s modern political landscape.