STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Leaders from across Bangladesh’s political spectrum have expressed their condolences over the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, paying tribute to her long political career and her role in Bangladesh’s democratic movements.

In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina, president of the Awami League, which is currently banned from political activities, said, “As Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, her contribution to the country and the democratic movement was immense. Her death is an irreparable loss to the nation’s politics and to BNP leadership. I pray for the forgiveness of her soul.”

Hasina, ousted by an uprising last year, also extended her heartfelt condolences to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other grieving members of the family.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman extended condolences, praying for Khaleda’s forgiveness and eternal peace. In a message, he sought patience and strength for her family members, relatives, and colleagues.

National Citizen Party and its affiliated bodies also conveyed deep mourning over her death.

In a statement, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said Khaleda Zia spearheaded the struggle against dictatorship and remained unwavering in her mission to safeguard democracy throughout her political life.

The party credited her with playing a pivotal role in the restoration of parliamentary governance and rebuilding a democratic environment following the mass uprising of 1990, which ended nearly a decade of military rule.

Calling Khaleda an inspiration of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle, Dr Kamal Hossain, emeritus president of Gonoforum, said in a condolence message that her leadership in the anti-autocracy movement and her efforts to restore democracy will be remembered with respect.

He also prayed for the peace of her soul and expressed sympathy to her family as well as party Islami

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