Pakistan recalls Khaleda’s bilateral role

Diplomatic Correspondent :

Senior Pakistani leaders have paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling her stature as a distinguished political leader whose resilience and contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic evolution earned global recognition.

Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to express condolences on the demise of the three-time prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on Khaleda Zia’s political legacy, describing her as a steadfast advocate of democracy and public service whose leadership helped shape Bangladesh’s political journey.

“The two leaders recalled Khaleda Zia’s stature as a distinguished political leader whose resilience and contributions to the democratic evolution of Bangladesh are recognised and appreciated across the world,” a statement posted on the official Facebook of Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh noted.

“They also lauded her dedication to public service which changed the lives of millions of Bangladeshis for good,” it concluded.
Professor Yunus thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at what he described as a moment of profound national sorrow.

The discussion also touched on Bangladesh-Pakistan relations during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as prime minister in 1991-96 and 2001-06, periods marked by cautious engagement and pragmatic diplomacy.

Under her leadership, bilateral relations between Dhaka-Islamabad saw renewed diplomatic contacts, cooperation within multilateral forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and an expansion of people-to-people exchanges.

Trade between the two countries also showed gradual growth, with Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan crossing the $50 million mark in the early 2000s, alongside increased Pakistani exports of raw materials and textiles to Bangladesh.

Separately, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, conveying heartfelt condolences on behalf of Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, Field Marshal and the people of Pakistan.
He handed over a condolence letter from the Pakistani Prime Minister and recalled Khaleda Zia’s “remarkable political leadership” and her role in promoting historical affinities, mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.

Khaleda Zia, who served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for three terms, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s post-independence political history.

Supporters and critics alike acknowledge her central role in restoring parliamentary democracy in the 1990s and shaping Bangladesh’s competitive political system over more than three decades.