Staff Reporter:
World leaders, foreign governments and international organizations have expressed condolences at the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, paying tribute to her political legacy and expressing solidarity with Bangladesh.
The United States expressed condolences, acknowledging her role in shaping Bangladesh’s modern histo-ry.
In a condolence message, the United States Embassy in Bangladesh said, “The United States extends deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.”
The embassy noted her political legacy, saying, “Mrs. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country’s modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s development.”
As like the US, Russia expressed condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia recalling her role in maintaining cordial bilateral relations.
“Russia will remember her with gratitude for the cordial relations maintained with our country during her three tenures as the head of the Government,” the Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh said in a condo-lence message.
China mourned the passing of the late leader and reaffirmed its ties with Bangladesh and the BNP.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said, “The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect.”
He said the Communist Party of China would continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly rela-tions with the BNP under Tareque Rahman’s leadership.
India also expressed deep sorrow over her death.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.”
“Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss,” he said.
Recalling her legacy, Modi added, “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”
He further said, “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and leg-acy will continue to guide our partnership.”
He concluded, “May her soul rest in peace.”
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her lifelong service to Bangla-desh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.”
He added, “Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My Government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!”
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said, “President Asif Ali Zardari is deeply grieved by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He extends heartfelt condolences to her fam-ily and the people of Bangladesh. Her leadership and services will be remembered with respect. May her soul rest in peace.”
The British High Commission in Bangladesh said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”
It added, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh at this very sad time.”
Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi said, “It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and esteemed Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).”
Recalling her visits to Japan, he said, “During her tenure as Prime Minister, Her Excellency Begum Zia visited Japan twice, making invaluable contributions to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our nations.”
The German Embassy in Bangladesh said, “The German Embassy expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country’s first female head of government, former First Lady, and long-serving Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Par-ty.”
It noted, “In her long public career, Begum Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s politi-cal landscape.”
Germany also recalled bilateral engagement, saying, “Germany recalls its engagement with her over the decades, including her meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer during his 2004 visit to Dhaka, as well as her meeting with German President Christian Wulff during his state visit in 2011.”
The message concluded, “Germany remains committed to the enduring friendship between our two coun-tries. May she rest in peace.”
The French Embassy in Bangladesh said, “The French Embassy in Bangladesh expresses its deepest con-dolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the country’s first female head of government.”
It added, “Throughout her long public career, Begum Zia played an important role in shaping Bangla-desh’s national life.”
“At this time of mourning, France extends its thoughts to her family, her party, and the people of Bang-ladesh,” the embassy said, concluding, “Her legacy will be remembered.”
Among others, Australia said, “Our thoughts are with the people of Bangladesh on the passing of their former Prime Minister, leader and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Begum Khaleda Zia.”
The European Union said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Bangladesh on the pass-ing of Begum Khaleda Zia.”
The regional body BIMSTEC also expressed condolences, saying, “The BIMSTEC Secretariat extends its heartfelt condolences on passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of BNP. May her blessed soul rest in eternal peace.”
