DHAKA, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS) – Tributes and condolences continue to pour in from various sports federations, associations and athletes over the death of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Khaleda Zia passed away today (Tuesday) morning while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) condolence message reads that she remained an influential figure in Bangladesh politics, a freedom fighter and a champion for humanity throughout her life. Her political life and role will be regarded as an important chapter in the country’s history. The struggles and leadership she demonstrated will be remembered by many. The passing of Begum Khaleda Zia is an irreparable loss for Bangladesh.

Following her demise, the BFF president Tabith Awal, along with the senior vice president, vice presidents, members of the executive committee, the general secretary, all standing committees of the BFF, and all officials and employees, expressed their deep sorrow and conveyed sincere condolences.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in a condolence message, said it is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

The BCB recalled with gratitude her constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in the country. During her tenure as Prime Minister, she provided outstanding support for the development of cricket in Bangladesh, significantly contributing to improvements in cricket infrastructure and the sport’s growth nationwide. Her vision and encouragement helped pave the way for many of the advancements the game enjoys today.

The BCB joined the whole country in profound grief and sadness at this great loss and extended its heartfelt condolences.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the BOA said she was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a very prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics. She will always be remembered throughout Bangladesh and the world for her outstanding contributions and sacrifices for establishing democracy, the culture of multi-party politics and the rights of the people.

During her tenure as Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia’s various important guidelines and advice as the main patron of the BOA encouraged and inspired the development of sports in the country and the management of the BOA’s activities. For her extraordinary leadership and qualities, she earned a place in the hearts of every member and officer of the BOA.

The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) expressed grief and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the BAF said she was an influential leader of the democratic movement in Bangladesh and an important chapter in national politics. She will be remembered with respect for her contributions and sacrifices.

The Bangladesh Tennis Federation (BTF) expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

The BTF condolence message read that Begum Khaleda Zia was a strong and influential leader of Bangladesh politics. The nation will remember her contributions and welfare for the country with great respect. The nation lost a senior political leader in her death.

The Bangladesh Cycling Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF), in a condolence message, expressed profound grief and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The Bangladesh Wushu Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Archery Federation (BAF) expressed profound grief and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the president, general secretary, officials, judges, coaches, players and employees of the BAF expressed deep shock and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family, and also prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.

In another condolence message, the executive committee, officials, employees, players, coaches and referees of the Bangladesh Basketball Federation expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Billiards and Snooker Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Amateur Wrestling Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a message, the executive committee, coaches and players prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The Bangladesh Karate Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Carrom Federation, in a condolence message, expressed grief and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Badminton Federation, in a condolence message, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Uttara Central Chess Club, in a condolence message, expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

The club’s condolence message said she was an influential and important figure in the political history of Bangladesh. Her long and multifaceted contributions to state governance, democratic practice and public life will be forever remembered in the history of the nation.

The executive committee of the Bangladesh Handball Federation also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The Bangladesh Sports Press Association, sports associations, different clubs and athletes also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, the BFF and BCB postponed all of the day’s matches under their respective jurisdictions following the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a message, the BFF said that due to unavoidable reasons, today’s matches organised by the BFF have been postponed and revised fixtures will be announced as soon as possible.

In a press release, the BCB said: “In respect of the nation’s mourning and in honour of Begum Khaleda Zia’s legacy, the BCB announces that today’s scheduled BPL T20 2025–26 matches have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.”