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Published : 30 Dec 2025, 11:06 AM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is due to address the nation following the death of former prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia.
The address will be broadcast simultaneously on state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar around midday on Tuesday, according to the Chief Advisor's Office.
Khaleda was declared dead at 6am after undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital for 40 days.
The 79-year-old, who led the BNP for more than four decades, rose to prominence during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, when she earned a reputation as an “uncompromising” leader. She served as prime minister three times, was elected to parliament five times and held the post of leader of the opposition twice.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Yunus called party leaders after receiving news of Khaleda's death.
He added that the interim government had decided to hold a special cabinet meeting by 10:30am to discuss arrangements related to her funeral, including her burial and whether she would be accorded state honours.
The BNP Standing Committee is also scheduled to meet later on Tuesday to finalise the party’s programmes. Fakhrul said the BNP would coordinate its plans with government arrangements and provide details later.
In a condolence message, Yunus described Khaleda as a “significant chapter” in Bangladesh’s history.
“With the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost a great guardian,” he said, adding that he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by her death.
He also emphasised her role in the struggle for democracy, multi-party politics and the rights of citizens would be remembered.
“Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and firm resolve consistently showed the way,” he said. “With her death, the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.”
