Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N) — BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has passed away. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. She breathed her last at 6:00 am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was 80.

Following her death, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a great loss for Bangladesh and its people.

In condolence messages sent to Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain, Chinese State Councilor Li Qiang and Chinese Foreign Minister Yao Wen paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and international stature.

The messages stated that Begum Khaleda Zia had long been a “symbol” of Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations, whose strong and uncompromising leadership inspired millions of people across the country.

The Chinese leaders also noted that she was a close friend of the Chinese people, emphasizing that her contributions played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China.

“Her contributions have left a lasting mark on China-Bangladesh relations,” the message said, adding that the Chinese people will remember her forever with deep gratitude and the highest respect.

Begum Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh three times and was the first female Prime Minister of the country. Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from home and abroad, marking the end of a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.

END/SMA/AJ