Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound grief at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and a towering symbol of the country’s democratic movement. In a condolence message, Professor Yunus said the nation has lost “a great guardian” with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia.“I am deeply saddened and shocked by her demise. Begum Khaleda Zia was not merely the leader of a political party; she represented an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh,” he said.
The Chief Adviser noted that, considering her long political struggle, immense contributions, and deep emotional bond with the people, the government had declared Begum Khaleda Zia a Very Important Person of the State earlier this month.
An Enduring Role in Restoring Democracy
In his message, Professor Yunus said Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in establishing democracy, fostering a multi-party political culture, and upholding people’s rights in Bangladesh would remain unforgettable.
“Her uncompromising leadership repeatedly inspired the nation to emerge from undemocratic situations. Her contributions to the country and its people will always be remembered with deep respect,” he said.
Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and unwavering resolve consistently served as a guiding force for the nation, the Chief Adviser added.
“With her passing, the country has lost a seasoned and time-tested statesperson,” he said.
Leader of the Anti-Autocracy Movement
Recalling her political legacy, Professor Yunus said that as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia led the struggle to restore democracy and resist authoritarian rule.
After the assassination of her husband, former President and war hero Ziaur Rahman, she entered politics in 1982 as a homemaker. Her firm and courageous leadership later played a decisive role in ending General H M Ershad’s nine-year authoritarian regime.
The Chief Adviser said many of her policy decisions and initiatives helped advance the country on multiple fronts. In particular, the introduction of free education and stipends for female students was a milestone in the history of women’s education in Bangladesh.
Political Success and a History of Persecution
Professor Yunus noted that Begum Khaleda Zia enjoyed remarkable success in her political career, never suffering defeat in any parliamentary election she contested. From 1991 to 2001, she was elected from five different constituencies, and in the 2008 general election, she won all three seats she contested.
After assuming office as Prime Minister in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the country’s economy through policies of economic liberalization, the Chief Adviser said.
He also observed that during Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Begum Khaleda Zia emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance and struggle. Her uncompromising stance inspired the nation throughout prolonged political movements. Due to her political prominence, she became a victim of extreme political vendetta, facing prolonged imprisonment under what he described as false and fabricated cases.
Condolences and Call for Calm
Expressing deep sympathy, Professor Yunus extended condolences to Begum Khaleda Zia’s bereaved family members, relatives, and leaders and activists of the BNP.
At this moment of irreparable national loss, he urged citizens to remain calm and restrained.
“I request everyone, from their respective positions, to offer prayers and supplications for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia’s departed soul,” he said.