Dhaka: UN Secretary General Ant³nio Guterres has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. ‘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 Secretary General wrote to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in a message dated on January 2. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing released the message today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the United Nations to the people of Bangladesh and to Khaleda Zia’s family. He acknowledged her significant contribution as the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, highlighting her distinguished place in the political history of the nation shaped by many years of public service and leadership.
In his message, Guterres conveyed his deepest sympathy to her family, loved ones, and the Government and people of Bangladesh during this time of mourning. He concluded with assurances of his highest consideration.
Begum Khaleda Zia, known as an unwavering leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away on December 30 last year at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city. She was laid to rest with full state honors beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Zia Udyan in the capital on December 31.