Condolences pour in for Khaleda Zia
Staff Reporter :
Condolences poured in nationwide following the death of three-time former PM and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, a steadfast leader of Bangladesh’s democracy, who passed away at 80 while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital.
Advisers, political leaders, trade and professional bodies, educational institutions, journalists associations, universities, cultural and civil society groups expressed deep sorrow, calling her death an irreparable loss and a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political history.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said Khaleda Zia’s death marked the end of an important and glorious chapter in the country’s political history.
Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder termed her passing an irreparable loss, saying the nation had lost a “great guardian.”
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter recalled Khaleda Zia’s role as the country’s first female prime minister elected through free and fair polls, noting that Bangladesh returned to a parliamentary system during her leadership.
Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid described Khaleda Zia as not merely a party leader but a defining figure in the nation’s history.
Primary and Mass Education Adviser Prof Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar said the nation would remember Khaleda Zia’s role in the struggle for democracy and people’s rights.
Shipping and Labour Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain called her a courageous and visionary leader whose resistance to dictatorship and fascism inspired the nation.
Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma also paid tribute, saying her contributions to democratic transition, multiparty culture and socio-economic progress would remain etched in history.
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju and General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad issued a joint condolence message.
NCP convener prayed for her eternal peace and offered sympathy to her family and followers.
Ganosamhati Andolon chief Zonayed Saki expressed shock on Facebook, while Bangladesh Labour Party chairman Dr Mustafizur Rahman Iran.
Janata PartyBangladesh leaders Golam Sarwar Milion and Md Asaduzzaman also conveyed deep sorrow and sympathy to her bereaved family and well-wishers.
The FBCCI said the nation has lost a patriotic and principled leader who played an uncompromising role in the fight for democracy and the protection of people’s rights.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, on behalf of the board of directors and members, expressed deep condolences, noting that she passed away on December 30 while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital.
The BGMEA mourned the passing of former PM Khaleda Zia, hailing her as a “timeless patriotic leader” whose support for the RMG sector and women’s education left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s economy.
The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) also expressed grief, with its President Saiful Islam describing her death as an irreparable loss for the nation and extending sympathies to the bereaved family, colleagues and citizens.
The Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) likewise conveyed heartfelt condolences over her passing.
Many journalist organisations, including press clubs and the Dhaka Reporters Unity, also expressed condolences over her passing.
Messages of sympathy were extended to her family, party leaders, activists and supporters, while prayers were offered for the eternal peace of her departed soul.