Commonwealth Secretary-General mourns death of Khaleda Zia

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message sent to Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Commonwealth Secretary-General conveyed her profound grief.

The message was released on Wednesday (January 7) by the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

In her message, Shirley Botchwey said she was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. On behalf of the Commonwealth family, she extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family as well as to the people of Bangladesh.

She described Khaleda Zia as a highly influential figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape. As the country’s first woman prime minister, Khaleda Zia opened new horizons for women’s political leadership. During her three terms in office, her leadership reflected a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.

The condolence message also noted that Khaleda Zia’s legacy extends beyond Bangladesh. She remained a source of inspiration for women leaders across South Asia and the wider Commonwealth.

Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 last year while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was laid to rest with state honours the following day, December 31, beside the grave of her husband and former president Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan in Dhaka.