Yunus mourns Khaleda Zia’s death, hails her role in strengthening democracy

Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of three-time former prime minister, symbol of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence message, the chief adviser said the nation has lost one of its great guardians with the passing of Khaleda Zia. "I am deeply shocked and saddened by her death," he said.

Yunus said Khaleda Zia was not merely the leader of a political party but a figure who represented an important chapter in Bangladesh's history. Considering her contributions, her long political struggle, and the people's emotional attachment to her, the government declared her a Very Important Person of the state earlier this month.

The chief adviser said her role in establishing democracy, fostering a multiparty political culture, and securing the rights of the people in Bangladesh will be remembered forever. Through her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic conditions and inspired to reclaim its freedom. Her contributions to the country and its people will be remembered with respect.

Despite political differences, her long political journey for the welfare of the nation, people-oriented leadership, and firm resolve always provided guidance. "With her death, the country has lost an experienced and tested politician," he said.

The chief adviser further said that three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia, the country's first woman prime minister and BNP chairperson, led the struggle to restore democracy against autocratic rule.

He said after the death of her husband, former president, former army chief, and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia entered politics from the life of a housewife in 1982, and her strong leadership played a leading role in toppling the nine-year-long misrule of autocrat Ershad.

The chief adviser said many of Khaleda Zia's initiatives and decisions took the country forward. She introduced free education and stipends for girls, widely regarded as a milestone in advancing women's education in Bangladesh.

He said Khaleda Zia was remarkably successful in her political career and was never defeated in any election. In the general elections from 1991 to 2001, she was elected from five different parliamentary constituencies, and in 2008, she won all three constituencies she contested.

The chief adviser said after being elected prime minister in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the country's economy through economic liberalisation.

During Sheikh Hasina's fascist rule, Khaleda Zia emerged as a unique symbol of struggle and resistance. Her uncompromising stance inspired the nation immensely through long movements and struggles, he said.

The chief adviser said because of her political success, Khaleda Zia became a victim of extreme political vendetta. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in false and fabricated cases and had to endure long periods of incarceration.

Expressing deep sympathy to her bereaved family members and party leaders and activists, the chief adviser called upon the nation to remain calm and patient on this day of irreparable loss and urged everyone, from their respective positions, to offer prayers for Khaleda Zia.