Singapore PM offers condolences over passing of Begum Khaleda Zia
Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Senior Minister of Singapore, has expressed deep shock at the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, in separate letters sent on Friday to Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, and Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of the BNP.
In his letter to Professor Yunus, Lawrence Wong wrote, "On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia."
He stated that Khaleda Zia played a significant role in Bangladesh's progression towards parliamentary democracy and a market economy, noting that she was also the country's first female prime minister and a champion of women's education and development.
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"Bilaterally, she was instrumental in strengthening relations between our two countries. Her legacy of dedication and service to her nation will be long remembered," he wrote.
"My heartfelt sympathies are with Prime Minister Zia's family and the people of Bangladesh during this period of grief," the Singaporean Prime Minister added.
In a separate letter to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Lawrence Wong expressed that he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the passing of his mother, recalling that he had the honour of hosting Khaleda Zia during her official visit to Singapore in March 2005.
"Prime Minister Khaleda Zia personified the resilience of the Bangladeshi people," he wrote, adding that after the death of her husband, she entered politics and secured a mandate to become Bangladesh's first female prime minister.
During her tenure, he noted, she expanded Bangladesh's private sector, championed women's education, and improved the livelihoods of people throughout the country, particularly in rural communities.
"She also fostered closer engagement with Singapore and laid a strong foundation for the enduring friendship between our countries. Her many contributions will be long remembered," Lawrence Wong wrote.
"My thoughts are with your family and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time," he added.
