Mal©: The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives today organized a commemorative programme to honor the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, capturing messages of condolence from Maldivian leaders, diplomats, and the Bangladeshi Diaspora to preserve her enduring legacy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, following the Bangladesh government’s observance of three days of national mourning, the High Commission initiated a formal effort to compile, archive, and preserve condolence messages from Maldivian leadership, the diplomatic community, and Bangladeshi expatriates residing in the Maldives.
As part of this initiative, the High Commission organized a commemorative programme and launched a special publication and documentary titled “In Memoriam: Begum Khaleda Zia – Messages of Condolence from the Diplomatic Community and Bangladeshi Diaspora in the Maldives.” The event took place at the auditorium of Maldives National University.
The programme saw attendance from representatives of the Maldivian government, the diplomatic and international community, senior academics, and a large number of Bangladeshi Diaspora members, all gathered to pay tribute to the life, leadership, and contributions of the late three-time former Prime Minister and Bangladesh’s first female premier.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks from Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Md Nazmul Islam. A documentary titled “Bangladesh-Maldives Relations: A Bridge of Friendship” was then screened.
The chief guest, Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives, along with Mariyam Zulfa, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended as a special guest. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, served as the special discussant.
Members of the diplomatic and international community, including Nick D Low, British High Commissioner to the Maldives; G Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India; Faisal Rasul Lodhi, High Commissioner of Pakistan; and Hao Zhang, UN Resident Coordinator to the Maldives, spoke at the programme. Representatives from the United States, Sri Lanka, Russia, UNICEF, and China were also present.
The academic community was represented by Mahamood Shougee, Chancellor of Maldives National University, and Vice Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam. From the Bangladeshi diaspora, several community leaders shared reflections on Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership and her role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Speakers recalled her contributions to democratic governance, regional cooperation, and international engagement, paying deep respect to her legacy. The programme concluded with the screening of the commemorative documentary bearing the same title as the publication, followed by the formal presentation of copies of the documentary magazine to distinguished guests.
Hundreds of Bangladeshi expatriates attended the programme, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration for the late Prime Minister. The initiative aims to preserve the messages of condolence as a lasting testament to Begum Khaleda Zia’s legacy and the strong bonds of friendship and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and the Maldives.