Dhaka, Dec 31 (V7N) — Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was different from all other political leaders in Bangladesh, said Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui, Cultural Affairs Advisor to the interim government.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after signing a condolence book at the BNP central office in Gulshan on Tuesday night (December 30).

Farooqui said that Khaleda Zia’s uniqueness becomes evident when one reflects on her statement following Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country on August 5, describing it as a reflection of her political wisdom and character.

“If you look at the democratic struggle of Bangladesh from 1972 to the present day, Begum Khaleda Zia stands out as the most significant figure,” he said. “It was not an easy journey. She achieved it through a long, sustained struggle.”

Describing her role in national politics, the cultural advisor said Khaleda Zia was a rare example in Bangladeshi political history, combining grace with grit in an extraordinary manner.

Begum Khaleda Zia, who had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past 39 days, was declared dead by physicians at 6:00 am on Tuesday. She was 80 years old.

Her funeral is scheduled to be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday (December 31) at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban grounds and Manik Mia Avenue. She will later be laid to rest with full state honours beside the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

Following her death, the interim government has announced three days of state mourning, while Wednesday has been declared a one-day general holiday.

END/SMA/AJ