Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at a hospital in Dhaka this morning. She was 80. This was disclosed by BNP in a social media post. BNP’s Media Cell said Khaleda Zia died while receiving medical care at a private hospital. Khaleda Zia, a two-time prime minister, was one of the most prominent figures in Bangladesh’s politics for decades and served as BNP chairperson for many years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, 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. The Prime Minister recalled his warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. Mr Modi hoped that her vision and legacy would continue to guide the partnership between the two nations.