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.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a message posted on social media platform X on Tuesday, he remembered her lifelong dedication to the people of Bangladesh and her contributions to the country’s prosperity and development.

Sharif described Khaleda Zia as a devoted friend of Pakistan and said that the government and people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of grief. He extended condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh, praying for peace for her soul.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed deep condolences over Khaleda Zia’s death through a message on X, praying for the forgiveness of her soul and offering sympathy to the bereaved family.

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a report by Amar Desh. Following her death, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh expressed deep sorrow in an official condolence message issued the same day.

In the statement, Jamiat’s President Shaikhul Hadis Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq and Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi described Khaleda Zia as a visionary politician, patriot, and courageous voice. They said she played a significant role in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, Islamic values, and national interests. The leaders noted that the nation had lost an experienced and determined leader.

They prayed for the forgiveness of her soul and extended condolences to her bereaved family, political colleagues, and the people of Bangladesh, wishing her eternal peace in Jannah.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Modi conveyed his condolences through a post on social media platform X at 10:17 a.m. on Tuesday, extending sympathy to her family and the people of Bangladesh.

In his message, Modi described Khaleda Zia as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and praised her contributions to the country’s development and to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. He recalled his warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015 and expressed hope that her vision and approach would continue to guide the partnership between the two neighboring nations.

Modi concluded his message by praying for the eternal peace of Khaleda Zia’s soul.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a defining figure in Bangladesh’s history. In a statement issued Tuesday, he said the government had earlier this month declared her a person of utmost national importance in recognition of her contributions, long struggle, and the public’s deep affection for her.

Dr. Yunus said the nation lost a great guardian with her passing. He highlighted her leadership in restoring democracy, establishing multiparty politics, and defending citizens’ rights. He recalled her role as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, her leadership against autocratic rule, and her introduction of free education and stipends for girls, which advanced women’s education. He also noted her consistent electoral success and her role in strengthening the economy through liberalization policies.

The Chief Adviser said Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising stance during Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule inspired national resistance. He added that she faced political persecution and imprisonment due to fabricated cases. He extended condolences to her family and party members and urged citizens to remain calm and pray for her.

Students at Jagannath University (JnU) launched a protest on December 30, 2025, after the university syndicate postponed the central student union (JnUSU) election due to the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The Election Commission announced the suspension at 9:45 a.m., prompting candidates from all panels and several thousand students to gather in front of the vice-chancellor’s building, where they broke the gate lock and began demonstrating.

Protesters chanted slogans rejecting the suspension decision, creating a tense atmosphere on campus. Among those present were vice-president candidates supported by the student wings of different political groups, including AKM Rakib from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Md. Riazul Islam from Islami Chhatra Shibir. The situation drew significant attention within the university.

The report did not mention any administrative response or further developments following the protest.

Former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Monday morning at 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The veteran politician, widely known as the 'uncompromising leader', took her last breath surrounded by family members and close associates.

Her death has cast a deep shadow over the country’s political landscape, marking the end of an era in Bangladesh’s democratic history. Khaleda Zia was a central figure in anti-military movements and the restoration of democracy, and she became a symbol of female leadership in national politics. As a three-time former prime minister, her political legacy remains deeply intertwined with the country’s democratic journey.

The nation mourns the loss of a leader who played a defining role in shaping Bangladesh’s modern political identity, leaving behind a void in both her party and the broader political sphere.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in a highly critical condition while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, according to her personal physician and party standing committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital early Monday night, he said Khaleda Zia has been admitted since November 23 and continues to face a severe health crisis. He added that only time will tell how much she can recover from this condition.

Dr. Zahid stated that a medical board comprising doctors from home and abroad is monitoring her treatment around the clock. The board met again on Monday morning to review her condition. He requested prayers from the public on behalf of Khaleda Zia’s family. On Monday night, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and other family members visited her at the hospital.

Khaleda Zia is suffering from multiple health complications, including diabetes, kidney, heart, and lung problems. Plans to take her abroad for advanced treatment could not proceed as her condition was deemed unfit for air travel, so her treatment continues in Bangladesh.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains hospitalized at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka due to multiple health complications. On the night of December 29, Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and other close family members visited her to check on her condition. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also accompanied them, according to BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

Khaleda Zia has been under treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Her personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that her condition remains critical and unchanged. The report did not mention any new medical developments or treatment updates.

The situation continues to draw concern within the BNP leadership, as the party’s top figures gather around their ailing chairperson during her prolonged hospitalization.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 248 nomination papers were submitted across 20 constituencies in Dhaka district on Monday, December 29, the final day for submission under the announced schedule of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Returning officers and assistant returning officers received the documents from candidates between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The data shows varying numbers of submissions across constituencies. Dhaka-1 received 8 nominations, Dhaka-2 received 3, Dhaka-3 and Dhaka-5 each received 16, Dhaka-4 received 8, Dhaka-6 received 7, Dhaka-7 received 15, Dhaka-8 received 12, Dhaka-9 received 14, Dhaka-10 received 13, Dhaka-11 received 11, Dhaka-12 received 18, Dhaka-14 received 13, Dhaka-15 received 9, Dhaka-16 received 13, Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 each received 17, Dhaka-19 received 11, and Dhaka-20 received 7.

The submission marks the completion of the nomination phase in Dhaka district as part of the broader national election process scheduled under the Election Commission’s timetable.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated businessman Jasim Uddin Ahmed, known for his close ties with former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, as its candidate for the Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish–part of Satkania) constituency. The nomination, announced on Sunday and filed on Monday at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s office, has sparked intense criticism on social media and discontent within the party. Local BNP leaders allege that the decision was made centrally without consulting the district unit.

Jasim, previously elected as an independent chairman in the 2024 upazila polls that BNP boycotted, is accused by local leaders of having links with influential figures from the former Awami League government. He faces multiple legal cases, including attempted murder and loan default allegations. Senior BNP figures in the district argue that nominating a businessman with such a background undermines the party’s moral and ideological stance.

BNP’s south district convener Idris Mia defended the decision, saying the party needed a financially strong candidate to challenge rivals and that Jasim had no formal political affiliation before. However, grassroots leaders have urged Tarique Rahman to reconsider the nomination.