Sheikh Hasina Expresses Deep Condolences over the Death of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s long-time political rival and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep sorrow at her passing. Currently living in exile in India, Sheikh Hasina said in a condolence message that Begum Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the movement for establishing democracy in Bangladesh as the country’s first female Prime Minister was immense.
This condolence message was broadcast in a post published on Tuesday (30 December) on the Awami League’s verified Facebook page. In her message, Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Begum Khaleda Zia’s death has resulted in an irreparable loss in Bangladesh’s current political landscape, particularly in the leadership of the BNP.
Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and India have confirmed that this is the first major formal condolence message issued by Sheikh Hasina since she resigned and took shelter in India in the face of the student–public mass uprising on 5 August. In her message, she prayed for the salvation of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family.
Sheikh Hasina said, “I express my deepest condolences to her son Tarique Rahman and other grieving members of the family. I hope that Almighty Allah will help her family members and everyone in the BNP to overcome this grief.” Despite political hostility, this condolence message from Sheikh Hasina at an important turning point in the country’s history has sparked widespread discussion in political circles.
