UK Labour MP Rushanara Ali mourns death of Khaleda Zia

Rushanara Ali, Labour Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Stepney in the United Kingdom, has expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a historic and compassionate leader.

In a condolence message posted on her verified Facebook page today, the British MP said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia and offered prayers for her departed soul.

“I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh at this time,” Rushanara Ali wrote.

Recalling Khaleda Zia’s political legacy, she noted that as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second female Prime Minister in the Muslim world, Begum Zia made history. She highlighted Khaleda Zia’s commitment to promoting education, tackling poverty and advancing the development of Bangladesh.

Rushanara Ali also shared personal memories of her interactions with the late leader, saying she would always remember with great fondness their meetings during her visits to Bangladesh, as well as Khaleda Zia’s visit to the United Kingdom.

“She had a great affection for the United Kingdom and, of course, the British Bangladeshi community,” the UK MP said.

Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and long-time Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away in Dhaka on early Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, governments and international figures across the world.