Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed condolences over the death of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, her longtime political rival who, alongside Hasina, dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades.
In a condolence message posted on the Awami League’s official X account on Tuesday, Hasina described Khaleda Zia as an important figure in the country’s political history, noting her role as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and her contributions to the struggle for democracy.
“As the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and for her role in the fight to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered,” Hasina said.
She added that Khaleda Zia’s death represented “a profound loss to Bangladesh’s political life” as well as to the leadership of the BNP.
Hasina also offered prayers for Khaleda’s soul and conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved family, including her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with party leaders and supporters. “I pray that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength and comfort during this difficult time,” she said.
Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina were the two most influential figures in Bangladeshi politics for more than three decades, alternately leading the country and shaping a deeply polarised political environment marked by intense rivalry between their parties.
Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness. She was 79.
Often referred to in Bangladeshi politics as the “two leaders,” Khaleda and Hasina together served as prime minister for more than 30 of the country’s 54 years since independence. Their adversarial relationship was once described by international media as the “Battle of the Two Begums.”
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