Diplomats, political leaders sign condolence book for Khaleda Zia at BNP chairperson's office
Diplomats from China, Pakistan, the Netherlands, India and Switzerland were among those who signed the condolence book
Several foreign diplomats today (30 December) signed a condolence book opened at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
As of 8pm, diplomats from 28 countries have signed the condolence book.
Among the diplomats who have signed the book are representatives from China, India, Pakistan, Germany, Oman, Algeria, Qatar, France, Norway, Sweden, Brunei, Palestine, Spain, Morocco, Bhutan, and Brazil.
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Another condolence book has been signed by political leaders, dignitaries, and prominent figures. Those who have signed include Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Islami Andolon Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Mohammad Faizul Karim, and National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam.
Freedom fighters Major General (retd) Moniruzzaman and Major General (retd) ATM Wahab, poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar, and famous footballer Kaiser Hamid also signed the book.
BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said the condolence book has been opened at the chairperson's office to allow well-wishers to express their condolences to Khaleda Zia, whom he described as the "mother of democracy".
He said the condolence book will remain open from 3pm to 9pm today; from 4pm to 9pm tomorrow, (31 December 2025); and from 10am to 6pm on Thursday (1 January).
According to Shairul, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was the first to sign the condolence book.
Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6am today while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 79.
Born on 15 August 1946, Khaleda Zia led the BNP for decades, navigating periods of political upheaval, imprisonment and political comeback.
She served as prime minister for three terms, from 1991 to 1996, a few weeks after February 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006.
The late BNP chairperson is recognised as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second elected woman prime minister in the Muslim world.
