Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N)- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have expressed deep grief over the death of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Both leaders sent condolence messages to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, which were released by the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing on Wednesday (January 7).

In his message dated January 2, the UN Secretary-General said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.” Guterres highlighted her historic role as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, describing her as occupying “a unique and distinguished position in the political history of the country.” He added that through her long-standing public service and leadership, she had left a significant impact on the political life of Bangladesh, and extended his deepest condolences to her family, the government, and the people of Bangladesh.

In his message sent on December 30, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated, “I express my deep sorrow and grief over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).” He noted that for more than four decades, Khaleda Zia had been one of the most influential political figures in the country. Abbas expressed his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Palestinian people and prayed for patience and solace for her family and the people of Bangladesh.

Khaleda Zia passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, December 30, at 6 am, while receiving treatment for multiple health complications including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and diabetes issues. She was buried with state honors next to the grave of her husband, former martyred President Ziaur Rahman, at around 5 pm on December 31.

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