Condolences wave for Begum Khaleda Zia

Staff Reporter :

Condolences wave across the country for three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, who passed away on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the ministries for environment, forest and climate change and water resources, has expressed deep shock at the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a condolence message on Tuesday, the adviser said the death of Begum Khaleda Zia marked the end of an important and glorious chapter in the political history of Bangladesh.
“Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people’s rights in the country will be remembered,” Rizwana said.
She said the nation will forever remember with respect the role Khaleda Zia played in environment, infrastructure, women’s education, health, social development and strengthening democratic institutions during her tenure as the premier.
In another condolence message, Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.
In his message, the adviser said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was an important figure in the democratic politics of Bangladesh. With her passing, the nation lost a great guardian. This death is an irreparable loss for the nation.”
Ali Imam Majumder said Begum Khaleda Zia was an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Considering her contribution, long struggle and people’s sentiment towards her, the government declared her as a very important person of the state this month, he added.
The adviser said her role in the struggle to establish democracy; multi-party political culture and people’s rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. The nation will remember her uncompromising leadership and her contribution to the country and the nation with respect, he added.
Her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and strong morale have always shown the way for the welfare of the nation, he said.
In her death, the Adviser said the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.
Besides, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
In her message, the adviser said, Khaleda Zia took charge as the country’s first female Prime Minister through free and fair elections. It was during her leadership that Bangladesh returned from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary democracy, she added.
She said Begum Khaleda Zia played an important role in the expansion of formal education in Bangladesh, the advancement of women’s education, women’s empowerment, the expansion of the small economy and the development of the SME sector. She also had a strong role in the development of the fisheries and livestock sectors, the adviser added.
The advisers prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.
Besides, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a message of condolence, she said with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country has lost an important political guardian. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death,” she added.
Sharmin S Murshid said Begum Khaleda Zia was not just the leader of a political party; she was an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Considering her contribution, her long struggle and the people’s affection for her, the government has declared her as a very important person of the state this month, she added.
The adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia’s many actions and decisions have taken the country a long way forward. She introduced unpaid education and stipends for girls, which is considered a milestone in the progress of women’s education in Bangladesh, she added.
She said her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people’s rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. People will always remember her contribution to the country and the nation with respect. Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership and strong morale have always shown the way for the welfare of the nation, she added.
Meanwhile, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a condolence message, the adviser said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was an important and influential leader in the political history of Bangladesh. The nation will remember her role in the struggle for democracy and multi-party political system and the rights of the people with respect.”
He prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a condolence message, the adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia was a three-time Prime Minister of the country and a courageous, wise and uncompromising political leader. Her contribution to the movement for the establishment of democracy, multi-party political system and people’s rights in Bangladesh will be remembered in history, he added.
Sakhawat Hossain said Begum Khaleda Zia was a shining symbol of strong leadership and protest in the movement against dictatorship and fascism.