Khaleda holds distinguished place in Bangladesh history: UN chief

Former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia occupies a distinguished place in the political history of Bangladesh as she was the country’s first woman prime minister, UN Secretary General António Guterres has said in a message sent to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Her historic journey is shaped by many years of public service and leadership, he added. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing released the message, dated 2 January, on Wednesday.

“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 in the message.

“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and to her family,” Guterres said.

“At this time of mourning, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones, as well as to the Government and the people of Bangladesh,” António Guterres said.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he added.

Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, breathed her last on 30 December last year at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.

She was laid to eternal rest with full state honour beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's grave at Zia Udyan in the capital on 31 December.