Dhaka: Germany today expressed deep condolences over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, honouring her long public service and reaffirming its commitment to enduring friendship between the two countries. The German Embassy in Dhaka conveyed its deepest sympathies in a condolence message, recognizing Khaleda Zia as a three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country’s first female head of government, and the long-serving Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the embassy recalled her influential political legacy and the bilateral engagements she fostered. “In her long public career, Begum Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape,” the message stated, highlighting her pivotal contributions to the nation.
Germany also reminisced about its high-level interactions with the late leader, noting memorable engagements such as her meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer during his 2004 visit to Dhaka and her meeting with German President Christian Wulff during his state visit in 2011. The embassy added, “She also engaged in other high-level meetings with senior German representatives over the years.”
The condolence message further expressed, “At this moment of loss, Germany honours her contribution to national life and extends its sympathy to her family, her party and the people of Bangladesh.” Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the enduring friendship between the two nations and concluded with a solemn wish: “May she rest in peace.”