On Tuesday, 30 December, Bangladesh was plunged into mourning as Khaleda Zia, the BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister, passed away at the age of 76. She died at 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving medical treatment. News of her demise sent ripples of grief across the nation, touching not only the political sphere but also the country’s cultural and entertainment communities.
Many leading figures in the Bangladeshi entertainment industry have expressed their sorrow, viewing her passing as the end of an era. Through heartfelt messages on social media, actors, actresses, filmmakers, and musicians paid tribute to her life and legacy. Their words reflect a recognition of her as a historic personality whose influence extended beyond politics, encompassing the nation’s collective memory and identity.
Veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan posted on Facebook:
“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Khaleda Zia. May her departed soul rest in peace. As Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, she commands our deepest respect. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family. May Allah grant everyone the strength to bear this loss.”
Renowned singer Hanif Sanket wrote:
“The revered three-time former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, departed from us this morning (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un). The nation has lost a guardian. Her contributions to the country and its people will remain forever remembered. May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus.”
Similarly, celebrated city ballad singer James posted:
“With profound sorrow and humble respect, we mourn the passing of Bangladesh’s elected former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia. May Allah place her in the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus. Our condolences to her grieving family.”
Film actor Arifin Shuvo, known for portraying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on screen, said:
“One of the country’s most influential political figures, Khaleda Zia’s passing marks the end of a long political chapter. May Allah grant her the highest honour.”
Actress Pori Moni shared a poetic tribute on her Facebook page:
“She has gone… she endured… she remains. She leaves her mark on this land. Khaleda Zia, in the end, you truly won.”
Other entertainment figures, including Ziaul Faruq Opurbo, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Puja Cherry, Apu Biswas, Shabnam Bubly, Arsh Khan, and Rukaiya Jahan Chomok, also expressed their grief, posting photographs and messages online. Many prayed for her soul and offered condolences to her bereaved family, transcending political divisions and recognising her significance in the nation’s history.
The table below summarises the notable reactions from prominent showbiz personalities:
| Celebrity/Artist | Condolence/Reaction Summary |
| Tariq Anam Khan | Prayed for her soul, expressed sympathy for family, acknowledged historic role |
| Hanif Sanket | Nation lost a guardian; prayed for Jannatul Firdaus |
| James | Profound respect, prayers for highest honour in afterlife |
| Arifin Shuvo | End of a political era, prayed for ultimate dignity |
| Pori Moni | Poetic tribute, acknowledged her enduring legacy |
| Ziaul Faruq Opurbo | Posted photo, expressed grief |
| Puja Cherry | Prayed for her soul, shared condolences |
| Apu Biswas | Shared sorrow and respect |
| Shabnam Bubly | Posted tribute and grief |
| Arsh Khan | Remembered her contributions, shared condolences |
| Rukaiya Jahan Chomok | Paid tribute, expressed sympathy |
Khaleda Zia’s passing is widely seen as the closure of a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s political and cultural history. Her legacy, both as a political leader and a symbol of resilience, continues to resonate deeply within the nation’s artistic and public spheres.