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Published : 30 Dec 2025, 10:58 AM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has paid tribute to BNP chief Khaleda Zia, describing the former prime minister as a “significant chapter” in the country’s history.
In a condolence message after Khaleda's death on Tuesday, Yunus said: “Begum Khaleda Zia was not just the leader of a political party, she was a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh.”
Khaleda, who earned the title of "uncompromising leader" for her resolve during the anti-autocracy struggle of the 1990s, led the BNP for 41 years. She was a five-time MP, three-time prime minister and served twice as leader of the opposition.
After undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past 40 days, doctors declared Khaleda dead at 6am on Tuesday.
“With the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost a great guardian. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death,” said Yunus.
He also recalled that earlier this month the government had designated Khaleda Zia a “Very Important Person”, citing her long political career, contributions and the public affection she commanded.
“Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, a multi-party political culture and people’s rights in Bangladesh will be remembered. Through her uncompromising leadership, the nation has repeatedly been freed from undemocratic situations. The nation will remember her contributions to the country and its people with respect.
“Despite political differences, her long political journey for the welfare of the nation, people-oriented leadership and firm resolve always showed the way. With her death, the country has lost an experienced and tested politician.”
Khaleda entered politics in 1982 following the death of her husband, former president and Army chief Ziaur Rahman. Yunus said her leadership played a key role in the movement that eventually ended the nine-year rule of military strongman HM Ershad.
He also highlighted policy initiatives introduced during her time in office, including free education and stipends for girls, describing them as a milestone in the advancement of women’s education in Bangladesh.
“Begum Khaleda Zia was immensely successful in her political career. She never lost an election. In the general elections from 1991 to 2001, she was elected from five separate parliamentary constituencies. In 2008, she won all three seats she contested.”
The chief advisor said that after being elected prime minister in 1991, Khaleda laid “a strong foundation” for the country’s economy through economic liberalisation.
Referring to the later years of her political life, he said she became the target of political persecution and spent years in prison after being convicted in what he described as fabricated cases.
Yunus expressed condolences to Khaleda's family and party colleagues, calling her death an “irreparable loss” for the nation.
He urged people to remain calm and patient and to offer prayers in her memory.
