Exiled former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her passing as a significant loss to Bangladesh’s political life.
Hasina’s condolence message was shared by the Awami League on its official X account. “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” the statement said.
“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered. Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” it added.
Hasina also offered prayers for Khaleda Zia and conveyed sympathies to her family and party colleagues. “I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul,” the statement said. “I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family. I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family. I hope that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time.”
The message is notable given the decades-long rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda Zia, whose political confrontation shaped Bangladesh’s politics for much of the past three decades. Alternating in power, the two leaders led rival parties that dominated successive elections and governments. Hasina is currently living in India after being ousted from office in August last year amid widespread political unrest in Bangladesh.
Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the country’s first woman prime minister, died early on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80. The BNP announced that she passed away around 6 am, shortly after the Fajr prayers.
Born in Jalpaiguri, then part of undivided British India, Khaleda Zia rose to national prominence after the restoration of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. In 1991, she became the country’s first woman prime minister, a milestone that reshaped its political landscape. She later served a second term from 2001 to 2006, consolidating her position as one of Bangladesh’s most influential leaders.
Khaleda Zia is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman. Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in exile and currently serves as the BNP’s acting chairman. He is widely seen as a key contender in the country’s next general elections. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, died several years ago in Malaysi
