CA Yunus mourns death of former PM Khaleda Zia

Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound grief at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former prime minister, BNP chairperson, and a key symbol of Bangladesh's democratic movement.

In a condolence message, the chief adviser said the nation had lost "one of its great guardians" with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia. 

"I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death," he said.

CA Yunus said Begum Khaleda Zia was not merely the leader of a political party but "an important chapter in Bangladesh's history". He noted that, in recognition of her contributions, long struggle, and the deep public sentiment attached to her, the government had declared her a very important person of the state earlier this month.

He said her role in the struggle to establish democracy, a multi-party political culture, and the rights of the people in Bangladesh would be remembered with respect. 

"Through her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic conditions and found inspiration for liberation," he said, adding that the country would honour her contributions with reverence.

Despite political differences, her long political journey for the welfare of the nation, her people-oriented leadership, and firm resolve always served as guidance, the chief adviser said. 

"With her death, the country has lost an experienced and proven politician."

Chief Adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia, the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the BNP, led the struggle to restore democracy against autocratic rule.

He recalled that after the death of her husband, former president, army chief, and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia entered politics in 1982 from a life as a homemaker, and that her strong leadership played a decisive role in ending the nine-year autocratic rule of HM Ershad.

He said many of her initiatives and decisions took the country forward significantly. "She introduced free education and stipends for girls, which is considered a milestone in the advancement of women's education in Bangladesh," he added.

He also noted her remarkable electoral success, saying she was never defeated in any election. Between the 1991 and 2001 general elections, she was elected from five different parliamentary constituencies, and in 2008 she won all three seats she contested.

CA Yunus said that after becoming prime minister in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the country's economy through economic liberalisation.

Referring to the period of Sheikh Hasina's rule, the chief adviser said Begum Khaleda Zia emerged as a unique symbol of struggle and resistance. "Her uncompromising stance inspired the nation immensely throughout a prolonged movement," he said.

He further said that due to her political success, she became a victim of extreme political vendetta, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in "false and fabricated cases," and had to endure long periods of incarceration.

CA Yunus expressed deep condolences to her bereaved family, party leaders, and activists.

On this day of "irreparable national loss," CA called upon the people to remain calm and patient, and urged everyone to pray for Begum Khaleda Zia from their respective positions.