'Deeply saddened': India, Pakistan leaders condole death of Khaleda Zia

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday. Leaders from neighbouring countries have offered their condolences over the death of Bangladesh's first female prime minister.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the passing of Khaleda Zia, who died at the age of 80 and prayed for strength for her family to bear the loss.

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"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," the Prime Minister said.

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Recalling her political legacy, Modi in his post noted that as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Zia made significant contributions to the country's development and to India-Bangladesh relations, adding that her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral ties.

"I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered condolences via social media, calling Zia a committed friend of the nation.

He said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.

"Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My Government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!"

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of India's West Bengal, also mourned the loss of the leader. "Saddened by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a prominent public leader. I extend my condolences to her family, friends and followers," she posted.

Bangladesh Awami League Chairperson Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia. "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," she said.

Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his profound grief over the death of Zia, describing her as a "great guardian" of the nation and a towering figure in Bangladesh's democratic history.

"Begum Khaleda Zia was not merely the leader of a political party; she represented an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh," the message read, adding that her long political struggle and the deep public sentiment associated with her leadership would be remembered with respect.

Zia was admitted to the capital Dhaka's Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. The former prime minister was suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, for a long time, and earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment for her ailments.

This morning a large crowd gathered outside the hospital even as Begum Zia's son and Acting Chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, arrived to pay his respects to his late mother.

[With ANI inputs]

Bahni Bandyopadhyay

bahni@khaleejtimes.com