Bangladesh’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 80 due to prolonged illness.
In a condolence message, Yunus said that with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost a great guardian. “I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death,” he added.
Talking about Zia, Yunus said that she was not just a leader of a political party but rather an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh. He also said that the government declared her a Very Important Person of the State earlier this month, seeing her contributions, long struggle and deep public sentiment.
The Chief Adviser said that her role in the struggle to establish democracy, a multi-party political culture, and the rights of the people in Bangladesh will be remembered forever. Recognising her contribution, Yunus said that through her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic conditions.
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Yunus also noted that despite political differences, her political journey was dedicated to the national welfare and leadership, which was people-oriented. He said that with Zia’s death, the country has lost an experienced and proven stateswoman.
Notably, Zia became Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and led the country after the restoration of parliamentary democracy. She served a second term from 2001 to 2006.
In his message, the Chief Adviser recalled that it was Zia who led the struggle to restore democracy against autocracy. He said that her strong leadership played a decisive role in bringing down the nine-year-long autocratic rule of HM Ershad.
Also read: Bangladesh’s first female PM Khaleda Zia dies at 80
Noting Zia’s efforts, Yunus said that she introduced free education, a stipend for girls and was never defeated in any election. He called Zia a symbol of struggle and resistance who stood against the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina.
The Chief Adviser said that because of her political success, Begum Khaleda Zia became a victim of extreme political vengeance.
Towards the end, Yunus called upon the people of Bangladesh to remain calm and offer their respects to Khaleda Zia.