Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday (30 December 2025) at the age of 80. Following the tragic incident, her son Tariq Rehman took to Twitter to express his emotional feelings for his mother. He wrote, ‘My mother and BNP President Begum Khaleda Zia left us today after listening to the call of Allah.’ Tariq Rahman further wrote that Khaleda Zia was not just a political leader, but she was known as the mother of democracy and mother of Bangladesh. She struggled throughout her life to strengthen the democratic system of the country and stood firmly against dictatorship and oppression.

Tariq Rehman wrote that Khaleda Zia was a very affectionate, gentle and courageous mother for him. He always took care of his family inside the house, no matter how difficult the circumstances were. Even amidst political conflicts, her motherly love and compassion never diminished.

My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return).

To many, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the… pic.twitter.com/bLsEtzYWgi

— Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) December 30, 2025

A life full of arrest, illness and struggle

Khaleda Zia faced repeated arrests, denial of treatment and constant political persecution throughout her life. Despite this, he never gave up. His personality remained calm but steadfast and strong. Khaleda Zia lost her husband and child for the country. After these personal sorrows, the people of Bangladesh became his family. Service to the country became his aim and direction of life.

Democratic legacy will always live on

In the statement, Tariq further wrote that Khaleda Zia has left behind a legacy of patriotism, sacrifice and struggle for democracy, which will continue to inspire the coming generations. His memory and contribution will always be recorded in the democratic history of Bangladesh.

Expressed gratitude for people’s love

Tariq Rehman wrote at the end of the post that on behalf of the family, I express my gratitude for the love, respect and condolences received from all over the country and the world. Khaleda Zia’s death is being seen as the end of an era in Bangladesh politics.

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