Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, remembering her as a historic leader whose contributions to Bangladesh and bilateral relations with India would be remembered for generations.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi conveyed condolences to Khaleda Zia’s family and the people of Bangladesh, acknowledging her enduring legacy as a pioneering political figure in the country.

“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,” PM Modi wrote.

Recalling her historic role in Bangladeshi politics, Modi highlighted Khaleda Zia’s status as the country’s first woman Prime Minister and her contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.

“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered,” he said. “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.”

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her party confirmed. According to a statement issued by the BNP, she died at around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, shortly after the Fajr prayer, where she had been receiving treatment for over a month.

“The BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am,” the party said, expressing deep grief. The BNP appealed to supporters and citizens to offer prayers for her departed soul.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to the private hospital on November 23 after developing serious complications related to her heart and lungs. Media reports indicated that she was also battling pneumonia in her final days. Doctors described her condition as fragile, and she remained under continuous medical supervision for 36 days.

Over the years, the former Prime Minister had suffered from multiple chronic health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and long-standing complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight. Her treatment was overseen by a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists from Bangladesh and abroad, including experts from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia.

Earlier this month, efforts were made to explore the possibility of shifting her overseas for advanced treatment. However, doctors ultimately advised against international travel, citing her severely weakened condition and high medical risk.

The widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia played a defining role in Bangladesh’s political history. She served two terms as Prime Minister and remained a central figure in the country’s politics for decades, leading the BNP as one of the two dominant political forces alongside the Awami League.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Leaders across South Asia and beyond are expected to pay tribute to her legacy as a trailblazer, a symbol of women’s leadership, and a key architect of modern Bangladeshi politics.