Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and FIFA President Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino. Photo collage : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) - FIFA  President Gianni Infantino expressed deepest condolence at the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, a Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) press release said today.

In a condolence message sent to BFF president Tabith Awal, reads that Begum Khaleda Zia was an important and pioneering figure in the political history of Bangladesh. As the country's first female Prime Minister, she has left a lasting legacy for future generations.

On behalf of the international football community, the FIFA President expressed his deepest condolences to the Bangladesh government, the BFF and the people of Bangladesh, it reads further.

The BFF also expressed its gratitude to the FIFA President and the international football community for this message of condolence, the message concluded.

It can be mentionable that Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital.