President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed condolence at the death of Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations (UN) and a Nobel Peace laureate. 

President Abdul Hamid expressed his condolence after Annan’s family and foundation announced in a tweet saying that Annan, one of the world’s most celebrated diplomats, died today at the age of 80 after a short unspecified illness, reports UNB.

In the condolence message, Abdul Hamid said the world will remember the man for his contribution in establishing democracy and human rights.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed deep shock at the death of Kofi Annan, a charismatic symbol of the United Nations (UN) who rose through its ranks to become the first black African secretary-general.

In a message, the premier said the world has lost an iconic man at Kofi Annan’s death, reports UNB.

“We’re deeply saddened at the sudden demise of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. He dedicated his life for global peace, development and ensuring human rights across the world.”

She said his departure will create a vacuum among the elders to stand for the oppressed, victims of climate change and for global peace.

Sheikh Hasina said Kofi Annan also always rendered his support to Bangladesh’s contribution to the promotion of global peace through its participation in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

“The people of Bangladesh will ever remember him for standing by us in our efforts to promote democracy and economic development.”

The prime minister said Kofi Annan will always be remembered for his support to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and the population whom he addressed in the report of the Advisory Commission.

“I convey my deepest sorrow for the loss of a leader, who never shied away from taking any difficult challenge. He took up the arduous task of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State with utmost sincerity. His work as the Chair of the Commission has brought the plight of the Rohingyas into light and offered sustainable pragmatic solutions,” she said.

The PM prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy for his bereaved family members.

“We convey our sincere condolences to his bereaved family members and colleagues.”

Annan spent virtually his entire career as an administrator in the United Nations (UN). He served two terms as the UN secretary-general from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2006.

He and the UN were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.