The Jagannath University (JNU) Syndicate has postponed the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The decision came just before voting was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Students, angered by the sudden postponement, surrounded the vice-chancellor’s office building and began protesting against the Syndicate’s move. According to university sources, the election commission’s decision was influenced by a unilateral stance taken by Syndicate member and Teachers’ Association President Professor Dr. Rois Uddin. Students said the university administration had completed all preparations, candidates had campaigned, and voters were ready. They argued that postponing the election at the last moment was unacceptable after extensive preparations and expenses. Several students expressed frustration, saying the election had already been delayed multiple times and should proceed even if results were announced later. They insisted that the current administrative and mental readiness would be lost if the vote was deferred again.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, he said the nation has lost a great guardian with her passing. He described her as not only a political leader but also an important chapter in Bangladesh’s history, noting that the government had recently declared her a person of utmost national importance. Dr. Yunus highlighted Khaleda Zia’s role in restoring democracy, establishing multi-party politics, and defending people’s rights. He recalled her leadership in ending autocratic rule, her contributions to women’s education through free schooling and stipends, and her success in national elections. He also noted her economic reforms after becoming Prime Minister in 1991 and her resilience during political persecution. The Chief Adviser conveyed condolences to her bereaved family and party members, urging the nation to remain calm and pray for her departed soul during this time of national loss.

Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. Rising from the role of a homemaker, she led a movement against the nine-year rule of military leader Hussain Muhammad Ershad and earned the title of an uncompromising leader. On March 19, 1991, she became the country’s prime minister, marking a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political history. Acting President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed appointed her as prime minister and formed a cabinet consisting of 11 ministers and 21 state ministers. Khaleda Zia took her oath of office on March 20, 1991. She later served two additional terms as prime minister, in 1996 and 2001, further consolidating her position as a central figure in national politics. The report highlights her enduring political legacy and notes that her leadership journey symbolized resilience and determination in Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80. According to a reliable government source, she is expected to be buried beside her husband, the late President Ziaur Rahman, at the Zia Udyan near the National Parliament complex in Dhaka. Her funeral prayer is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the burial plan. The report notes that Khaleda Zia’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, as she was one of the country’s most prominent political figures. The funeral arrangements reflect her long-standing political and personal association with Ziaur Rahman. The article also mentions that Baitul Mukarram’s Khatib will lead the funeral prayer, and several political figures have expressed that her death will leave a deep void in the nation’s politics.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared a seven-day mourning period following the death of its chairperson, Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning at a press conference held at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka by the party’s senior joint secretary general, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed informed the media around 7:15 a.m. that the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, had confirmed the news of her death. The announcement marks a significant moment for the party, as Khaleda Zia was a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades. According to the report, several political and religious figures have expressed their reactions, describing Khaleda Zia as an indomitable leader whose passing leaves a deep void in national politics. Her funeral prayer will be led by the khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

China carried out a second consecutive day of live-fire military exercises around Taiwan under the name “Justice Mission 2025.” According to Beijing, the two-day drills included simulated attacks on maritime targets and blockade exercises around key Taiwanese ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, and bombers were deployed, with operations covering northern and southern waters to test sea-air coordination and blockade capabilities. Taiwan condemned the drills as an act of military intimidation and lodged a strong protest. The exercises took place as the United States approved a major arms sale to Taiwan and Japan’s prime minister suggested possible military response if force is used against the island. China’s foreign ministry warned that foreign arms support to Taipei could quickly escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. PLA spokesperson Shi Yi described the drills as a legitimate and necessary warning to “Taiwan independence” forces. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft and 14 naval vessels near the island within 24 hours, calling the maneuvers a sign of China’s growing aggression.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. He conveyed his condolences through a post on his verified Facebook page, praying for mercy and forgiveness for the late leader and for her acceptance in paradise. In his message, Dr. Rahman also prayed for patience and strength for Khaleda Zia’s family members, loved ones, and colleagues. The condolence message was shared publicly and reflected a tone of respect and sympathy for the veteran political figure. The report also noted that other political figures have expressed their reactions to Khaleda Zia’s passing, describing her as a symbol of resilience and acknowledging the significant void her death leaves in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on citizens to maintain patience and discipline following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a televised address to the nation at noon on Tuesday, he expressed deep sorrow and conveyed condolences on behalf of the nation to her family, political colleagues, and supporters. He announced three days of national mourning and a public holiday on the day of her funeral prayer. Dr. Yunus described Khaleda Zia as a revered figure in Bangladesh’s politics, noting her contributions to democracy, multiparty political culture, and the struggle for people’s rights. He said her uncompromising leadership against autocracy and fascism repeatedly guided the nation toward democratic restoration and inspired freedom. He emphasized that her long political journey and steadfast commitment to national sovereignty would remain unforgettable. Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m. on December 30, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old and had been suffering from multiple chronic health complications.

The government of Bangladesh has declared three days of national mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced on Tuesday that a nationwide public holiday will be observed on Wednesday. He stated that Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer will be held after the noon prayer at the National Parliament premises, after which she will be buried with state honors beside the grave of martyred President Ziaur Rahman. The announcement was made from the Secretariat, where the Cabinet Division confirmed the schedule and arrangements for the state funeral. The government’s decision reflects Khaleda Zia’s long-standing political significance as a national leader and former prime minister. Several organizations, including the Online Editors Alliance and political figures, expressed condolences over her death. The three-day mourning period will include the lowering of the national flag and official observances across the country, as stated by the Cabinet Division.

Students of Jagannath University (JnU) have demanded that the central student union (JnUSU) election be held today and that the university administration resign immediately after conducting the election. The demand arose after the university syndicate, led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rezaul Karim, decided to postpone the election scheduled for Tuesday morning following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Students said they were not consulted before the decision and insisted that the election must proceed as planned. Angered by the postponement, JnUSU voters surrounded the vice-chancellor’s office building and staged demonstrations. Among the protesters were JnU Chhatra Dal President Mehdi Hasan Himel and Islami Chhatra Shibir President and vice-president candidate Riazul Islam. The election commission stated that it must comply with the syndicate’s decision and cannot proceed independently. Meanwhile, students maintained that all preparations for the election were complete and that the decision to suspend it was unacceptable. The vice-chancellor explained that the election was postponed due to the national mourning situation, as the university did not wish to hold any festive events during this period.

The government has ordered a suspension of all promotional activities related to the upcoming national referendum until the funeral and burial of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning by Dr. Ali Riaz, chief coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign and special assistant to the Chief Adviser. He confirmed that all forms of referendum publicity will remain paused until the funeral rites are completed. The referendum, scheduled for February 12, concerns the July Charter and is being promoted nationwide by the government through 19 ministries, including the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Khaleda Zia had been under long-term hospital care before passing away early Tuesday morning. In response to her death, the advisory council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, convened a special meeting to determine state programs. Dr. Yunus is expected to address the nation later in the day to announce official mourning and related state arrangements.

The United States has expressed deep condolences over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. On Tuesday, December 30, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a condolence message stating that the United States mourns the passing of the former leader. The message noted that Khaleda Zia played an important role in shaping her country’s modern history and that her leadership contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s development and progress. According to the report, Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 79 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The embassy’s statement highlighted her political legacy and her influence on Bangladesh’s national trajectory. The announcement marks an official expression of sympathy from the United States following the death of one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political figures.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi broke down in tears during a press conference on Tuesday morning while announcing the death of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul said they never imagined having to deliver such news and had hoped she would recover. Citing Dr. Shahabuddin’s announcement, he confirmed that Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m., describing her as the 'mother of democracy' and a national guardian whose loss is irreparable. Fakhrul added that Khaleda Zia had dedicated her entire life to the welfare and rights of the people, leaving a major void in Bangladesh’s politics and democratic movement. Rizvi compared her to a motherly figure whose presence gave strength to the nation, expressing deep sorrow that she was gone so soon. He said the nation would struggle to overcome this grief and crisis, noting her endurance through oppression and personal loss for the sake of democracy. The report noted that people across the country and the world were mourning the passing of the BNP leader.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the death of party chairperson Khaleda Zia as an irreparable loss. Speaking at a press conference at Evercare Hospital on Tuesday morning, he said the nation would never recover from this grief. With a voice choked with emotion, he stated that he had never imagined having to stand before the media with such news, expressing that they had hoped she would recover as before. Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia’s passing has created a major void in Bangladesh’s politics and democratic movement. He also mentioned that Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus had called following the news. A special meeting of the advisory council has been convened to decide on matters including her funeral and burial with state honors. Fakhrul added that the BNP’s standing committee would also hold a meeting soon. The announcement underscores the deep sense of loss within the BNP and the broader political landscape following Khaleda Zia’s death.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has postponed two Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches scheduled for Tuesday in Sylhet following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, and the entire nation has expressed grief over her death. The BCB confirmed the postponement through an official press release, stating that the new schedule for the matches will be announced soon. According to the original fixture, Chattogram Royals were set to face Sylhet Titans in the first match of the day, while Dhaka Capitals were to play against Rangpur Riders in the second. The BCB also expressed condolences and remembered Khaleda Zia’s contributions to the country’s cricket. She had been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 and had been in critical condition in the ICU before passing away. The BCB stated that the rescheduled dates for the postponed matches will be announced shortly.