STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Government high-ups, including President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, along with other advisers to the interim government, yesterday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh.

Following her death, the interim government announced three days of state mourning. Today was also declared a public holiday, while Bangladeshi missions abroad opened condolence books to allow people to pay tribute to the former premier.

President Shahabuddin, in a condolence message, described Khaleda Zia’s “uncompromising role in establishing democracy and people’s rights” as a lasting contribution to the nation’s political history. “I pray for the salvation of her departed soul and extend my deep sympathy to the bereaved family members and followers,” he said, urging the people to honor her memory and pray for her eternal peace.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the nation had lost “a great guardian” with her death. “I am deeply shocked and saddened,” he said, noting that she was not merely the leader of a political party but “an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh.”

He added that Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in promoting democracy, multiparty political culture and people’s rights would remain memorable.

“Due to her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic situations and inspired to reclaim democracy,” he said.

Prof Yunus also highlighted her resilience during political adversities, noting that she stood as a symbol of resistance during Sheikh Hasina’s rule and endured long periods of imprisonment due to what he described as politically motivated cases.

Meanwhile, Finance and Science and Technology Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said Begum Khaleda Zia was a long-standing and influential symbol of leadership in Bangladesh’s political arena.

He noted that she had played a key role in upholding democratic values, freedom of expression, and constitutional continuity at various stages of governance.

“Despite political adversities, her leadership and political stance will be regarded as a distinct and memorable chapter in the country’s political history,” he said.

Dr Salehuddin called her death an irreparable loss to the country’s political landscape and expressed condolences to her bereaved family members, BNP leaders, activists and followers.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said Khaleda Zia’s death marked the end of an important and glorious chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.

“Her role in establishing democracy, a multiparty political culture and people’s rights will be remembered,” she said, adding that the nation would always respect her contributions to the environment, infrastructure, women’s education, health, social development and democratic institutions.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder described Begum Khaleda Zia as an important figure in democratic politics, calling her death an irreparable loss for the nation.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter recalled that she became the country’s first female prime minister through free and fair elections and led the return from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid said the country had lost an important political guardian, while Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma said Khaleda Zia would be eternally remembered for her relentless struggle to advance parliamentary democracy and protect people’s rights.

The advisers prayed for the eternal peace of her departed soul and expressed deep condolences to her family, party leaders and followers.