United News of Bangladesh

A condolence book was opened on Friday at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo following the demise of Khaleda Zia, a three-time former Prime Minister of the government of Bangladesh and Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Representatives from various foreign diplomatic missions based in Japan visited the Embassy and signed the condolence book, expressing their sympathies and condolences. The condolence book will remain open until 6 January. Over the death of  Khaleda Zia, an uncompromising leader of the movement for the restoration of democracy, the government of Bangladesh declared a three-day state mourning from Wednesday (31 December) to Friday (2 January 2026). As part of the state mourning programme, the national flag was flown at half-mast at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo.

Bangladesh on Thursday warmly welcomed a recent statement by the Chinese government expressing its wish for a smooth general election in Bangladesh, reaffirming that the election is an internal affair of the country. In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh said it deeply values the cordial and friendly relations between the two countries, which have been further strengthened under the interim government. Bangladesh also strongly reaffirmed its firm commitment to the “One China Principle,” the ministry said, underscoring Dhaka’s long-standing and principled position on the issue. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said the general election, scheduled for February 12 next year, is Bangladesh’s internal affair and reiterated its position of "non-interference" in other countries' internal issues. Responding to a question in a regular media briefing in Beijing, he said China upholds the principle of "non-interference" in other countries’ internal affairs. "We are confident that the interim government and people of Bangladesh are capable of handling their own affairs well and pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions," said the Chinese Spokesperson. He hoped that Bangladesh would hold a smooth general election and advance the country’s political agenda in an orderly manner..

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said SAARC must be revived at any cost, as the presence of high-level dignitaries from member states at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia proves the regional body’s spirit is still alive. “He (Prof Yunus) conveyed the same message to all of them (foreign dignitaries). He said SAARC needs to be revived at any cost,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also spoke at the briefing. Alam said the foreign dignitaries, representing Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, met the Chief Adviser at state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday and Thursday. “They were overwhelmed to see such a huge funeral ceremony,” said the Press Secretary, mentioning that they appreciated the arrangements for conducting it nicely. Sayedur Rahman reappointed as CA’s Special Assistant Quoting the Chief Adviser, the Press Secretary said the spirit of the SAARC is alive and well and this spirit needs to be maintained. The SAARC was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. SAARC comprises eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987. South Asian nations’ gesture highlights Khaleda’s respect, stature: Foreign Adviser Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said it was a 'positive gesture' from the South Asian countries towards former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who earned a kind of accessibility, respect and dignity among people at home and in South Asia. "I think it's a very good gesture from all. All (South Asian countries) realise and recognise this (positive image set by Begum Zia)," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral programme of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and paid respects to her. E-cigarettes, emerging tobacco products fully banned in Bangladesh Asked about his conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Adviser Hossain said, "I tell you, we didn't have such a one-to-one meeting. That scope was not there. Other dignitaries were there. I would say it's a courtesy that all maintain. No bilateral issues were discussed." Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met the dignitaries on Wednesday. The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to pay last respects to former Prime Minister and national leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday. The advisers expressed their gratitude to the visiting dignitaries for their presence and showing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of national mourning, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Substandard bearing, faulty design behind Dhaka metro rail accident: Adviser She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial. On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said it was a 'positive gesture' from the South Asian countries towards former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who earned a kind of accessibility, respect and dignity among people at home and in South Asia. "I think it's a very good gesture from all. All (South Asian countries) realise and recognise this (positive image set by Begum Zia)," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral programme of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and paid respects to her. Asked about his conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Adviser Hossain said, "I tell you, we didn't have such a one-to-one meeting. That scope was not there. Other dignitaries were there. I would say it's a courtesy that all maintain. No bilateral issues were discussed," he said. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met the dignitaries on Wednesday. The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to pay last respects to former Prime Minister and national leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday. The advisers expressed their gratitude to the visiting dignitaries for their presence and showing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of national mourning, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial. On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday visited the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and paid homage to the former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and signed the condolence book. "Sincerest condolences on behalf of the Government and the People of India, at the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," he wrote.  The Indian Defence Minister said Begum Zia's notable contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-India ties will always be remembered. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah received Singh during the visit. Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and mother of BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, passed away on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. She was 80. Jaishankar in Dhaka to represent India to pay last respect to ex-PM Khaleda On the same day, the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, declared three days of national mourning that will conclude on Friday. Her namaz-e-janaza was held at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, drawing lakhs of mourners. She was later laid to rest beside her husband, Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). On the same day, the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, declared three days of national mourning that concluded on Thursday. Her namaz-e-janaza was held at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, drawing lakhs of mourners. She was later laid to rest beside her husband, Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday evening and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and government of Bangladesh on the demise of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The two leaders recalled her stature as a distinguished political leader whose resilience and contributions to the democratic evolution of Bangladesh are recognised and appreciated across the world. They lauded her dedication to public service which changed the lives of millions of Bangladeshis for good, recalling her vision for peace, progress and connectivity of the region. Thanking the Speaker for visiting and expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this juncture, the Chief Adviser profoundly recalled his meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and DPM/FM Ishaq Dar and appreciated their messages of condolences. The Speaker arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to offer condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia. On arrival, senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and High Commissioner of Pakistan received him. Before the funeral prayer, he had a meeting with Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Zia and Acting Chairman of BNP at the Parliament building. On behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Parliament and people of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Speaker expressed heartfelt condolences and profound sorrow at the passing away of Begum Zia. He reaffirmed that people of Pakistan stand with Tarique Rahman, bereaved family, members and leaders of BNP and brotherly people of Bangladesh in this moment of deep sorrow. He also handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Tarique Rahman, who appreciated the sympathy and solidarity expressed by the Government, Parliament and people of Pakistan in this hour of grief. The Speaker paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia noting the special bond she shared with Pakistan and her commitment towards revitalising historical ties, mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Both sides recalled the historical affinities between the two countries and noted that her vision may guide future engagements. Afterwards, the Speaker offered the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian has said the general election, scheduled for February 12 next year, is Bangladesh’s internal affair and reiterated its position of "non-interference" in other countries' internal issues. Responding to a question in a regular media briefing in Beijing, he said China upholds the principle of "non-interference" in other countries’ internal affairs. "We are confident that the interim government and people of Bangladesh are capable of handling their own affairs well and pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions," said the Chinese Spokesperson. China remembers Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Dhaka-Beijing ties He hoped that Bangladesh would hold a smooth general election and advance the country’s political agenda in an orderly manner.  

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Bala Nanda Sharma on Wednesday attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia A floral wreath was laid at the burial site of the mortal remains of late Khaleda Zia on behalf of the Foreign Minister and the Government of Nepal. Foreign Minister Sharma also met with the son of late Begum Zia and the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman and conveyed condolences to the latter on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal. Sharma noted that Begum Zia was a distinguished statesperson who played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political and democratic journey, according to the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka. Rahman thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for paying his last respects at the funeral and expressed hope that the excellent friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to flourish in the days ahead.   In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Sharma called on the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. On the occasion, he handed over to the Chief Adviser a message from the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki, extending her deepest condolences on the demise of Begum Zia. In her message, the Prime Minister noted with gratitude the significant role Begum Zia played in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations, particularly during her three tenures as the Prime Minister. Foreign Minister Sharma underscored that she would be remembered for her contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh, and for her strong advocacy of regional cooperation and solidarity. The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude for Nepal’s true friendship and its enduring support to the Government and people of Bangladesh ever since the country’s independence, including during the difficult times. Sri Lankan FM meets Tarique Rahman The two leaders also deliberated on the excellent state of Nepal-Bangladesh relationship and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Foreign Minister Sharma also held a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Md. Touhid Hossain and handed over to him a personal letter of condolences. Foreign Adviser Hossain thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for attending the funeral and expressed appreciation for the consistent support extended by the Government of Nepal on all occasions. The Foreign Minister is on a visit to Bangladesh from 30 December 2025 to 01 January 2026 to attend the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia. He will depart Dhaka for Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon.  

Sri Lankan foreign minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night. The meeting took place at around 8:30pm at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. During the discussion, he said the two sides exchanged views on issues related to mutual interest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Khaleda's passing leaves irreplaceable void, but her vision, legacy will endure: Modi Sayrul 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.    

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. "I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," he said in a letter to Begum Zia's son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar handed over the personal letter from PM Modi to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. At this moment of national mourning, PM Modi said his thoughts are also with the people of Bangladesh, who have shown remarkable strength and dignity throughout their history. "I am confident that they will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity, as they move forward in peace and harmony," Modi said. The Indian Prime Minister said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Tarique Rahman's mother. He warmly recalled his meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015. "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. Jaishankar hands over PM Modi’s personal letter to Tarique Rahman He said Khaleda made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations. "Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Modi said. He prayed to the Almighty to grant Tarique Rahman and his family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. "I also extend my best wishes to you in your future endeavours," the letter reads. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial. On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.