Chief Adviser mourns death of Begum Khaleda Zia

The Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former Prime Minister, symbol of the democratic movement and BNP Chairperson.

In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said, "With the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its great guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death."

Professor Yunus 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, long struggle and the people's passion for her, the government declared her as a very important person of the state this month."

The Chief Adviser said, "Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, multi-party political culture and people's rights in Bangladesh will be memorable. As a result of her uncompromising leadership, the nation has repeatedly been freed from undemocratic conditions and has received inspiration for liberation." The nation will 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. With her death, the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.

The chief adviser said that three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Chairperson of BNP, who led the fight to restore democracy against dictatorship.

He said that the strong leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, who came to the political field from a housewife in 1982 after the death of her husband, former President and Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, played a major role in bringing down the long 9-year rule of dictator Ershad.

The chief adviser also said that many of Begum Khaleda Zia's actions and decisions have taken the country a long way. She introduced unpaid education and stipends for girls, which is considered a milestone in the progress of women's education in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said that Begum Khaleda Zia was extremely successful in her political career. She never lost any election. She was elected from five different parliamentary seats in the general elections from 1991 to 2001. In 2008, she won all three seats she contested.

The Chief Adviser said that after being elected as the Prime Minister in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the country's economy through economic liberalization.

The Chief Adviser said that Begum Khaleda Zia was a unique symbol of struggle and resistance during Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime. Her uncompromising role has greatly inspired the nation in the long struggle.

The Chief Adviser added that Begum Khaleda Zia was a victim of extreme political vendetta because of her political success. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in a false and fabricated case and had to spend a long time in prison.

The Chief Adviser expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved family and party leaders and activists on the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

On this day of irreparable loss to the nation, he called on the countrymen to remain calm and patient and requested them to pray and supplicate for Begum Khaleda Zia from their respective positions.