MFA Press Statement: Condolence Letters from Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has written to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman, to convey their condolences on the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on 30 December 2025.

The text of the letters are appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

SINGAPORE 

2 JANUARY 2026

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong’s condolence letter to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

2 January 2026

The Honourable Professor Muhammad Yunus

Chief Adviser

People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia played an important role in Bangladesh’s journey towards parliamentary democracy and a market economy. She was also Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and a champion for women’s education and development. Bilaterally, she was instrumental in strengthening relations between our two countries. Her legacy of dedication and service to her nation will be deeply remembered.

My heartfelt sympathies are with Prime Minister Zia’s family and the people of Bangladesh during this period of grief.

Yours sincerely,

Lawrence Wong

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s condolence letter to Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman

2 January 2026

The Honourable Tarique Rahman

Acting Chairman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Dear Mr Tarique Rahman,

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. I had the honour of hosting her to an official visit to Singapore in March 2005. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia personified the resilience of the Bangladeshi people. After the passing of her late husband, she entered politics and won a mandate to become Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister.  During her tenure, she expanded Bangladesh’s private sector, championed women’s education, and improved the livelihoods of the Bangladeshi people, especially rural communities. She also fostered closer engagement with Singapore and laid a strong foundation for the enduring friendship between our countries. Her many contributions will be long remembered.

My thoughts are with your family and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Hsien Loong