She passed away at around 6:00am today while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.
Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das paid tribute on his verified Facebook page, writing, “I express my deepest sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. At this moment of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the people of the country.”
Khaleda Zia had a long-standing association with Bangladesh cricket. After Bangladesh’s historic ICC Trophy triumph in 1997, she welcomed the national cricket team on behalf of the BNP, a moment remembered as significant in the country’s cricketing history.
Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also shared a condolence message on his verified Facebook page, saying, “May Almighty Allah grant the former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia the highest place in Jannah and forgive her. I pray for peace for her soul and strength for the nation.”
Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, the only Bangladeshi cricketer to have played 100 Test matches, posted the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s condolence message on his verified Facebook page and wrote, “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un.”
Former national team captain Tamim Iqbal expressed his grief in a Facebook post, stating, “With her passing, the country has lost a symbol of strong leadership. May Almighty Allah grant her forgiveness and bless her with Jannatul Ferdous.”
Rajshahi Warriors also paid tribute, writing, “A leader who stood firm even in the fiercest storms; her resilience and sense of duty will never be forgotten. The Rajshahi Warriors family expresses its deepest condolences at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia. Rest in peace.”
Several BPL franchises also issued condolence messages. Rangpur Riders, in a post on their verified Facebook page, wrote, “Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is no more. Like the rest of the nation, the Riders family is deeply saddened. May Almighty Allah grant her Jannatul Ferdous.”
Sylhet Titans, in their condolence message, said, “The Sylhet Titans family expresses deep sorrow at the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Today, we mourn the loss of a towering figure in our nation’s history—a leader whose courage and dedication shaped the lives of millions. Her unwavering commitment to the people of Bangladesh will remain a lasting source of inspiration.”
The outpouring of tributes from the cricketing community reflects Khaleda Zia’s enduring impact on Bangladesh and her remembered support for the country’s sporting progress.
