UN Chief Hails Khaleda Zia’s Historic Role in Bangladesh

Former BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia holds a distinguished place in the political history of Bangladesh as the country’s first woman prime minister, UN Secretary General António Guterres has said.

In a condolence message sent to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Guterres said Khaleda Zia’s historic journey was defined by decades of public service and political leadership. The message, dated January 2, was released on Wednesday.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” the UN chief said.

On behalf of the United Nations, he extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and to her family, expressing deep sympathy to her loved ones as well as to the government and citizens during this time of mourning.

Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as a steadfast leader in Bangladesh’s democratic movement, passed away on December 30 at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital.

She was laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Dhaka on December 31.