Dear BUFLA Family & Greater Bangladeshi Community,
It is with profound sorrow that the Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (BUFLA) mourns the passing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 80.
Begum Khaleda Zia was a distinguished Bangladeshi political leader who served twice as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was the first Female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and her leadership marked a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political and democratic history.
She rose to national prominence as the First Lady of Bangladesh after her husband, the late President and former Army Chief, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, assumed office in 1977. Following his tragic assassination in 1981, Begum Khaleda Zia entered politics and eventually became the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which had been founded by President Ziaur Rahman in 1978. She served as the Chairperson of the BNP from 1984 onward.
Begum Khaleda Zia played a pivotal role in the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh, particularly during the mass pro-democracy movement in 1990, alongside other national leaders. Her tenure as Prime Minister, including her leadership during challenging political transitions, left a lasting imprint on the nation’s governance and political landscape.
On behalf of BUFLA, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, relatives, colleagues, supporters, and to the people of Bangladesh at home and abroad. We join the global Bangladeshi community in honoring her life, leadership, and contributions to the nation. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to her departed soul and provide strength, patience, and comfort to her family and all those mourning this great loss.
On Behalf of BUFLA, with deepest sympathy,
Sincerely,