‘Her contributions to the nation will be remembered’: Sheikh Hasina condoles rival Khaleda Zia

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday extended her condolences following the death of her long‑time political adversary Khaleda Zia, with whom she had dominated the nation’s politics for decades.

In a message of condolence shared on the Awami League’s official X account, Hasina described Zia as an important figure in Bangladesh’s political history.

The 78‑year‑old Awami League leader emphasised Zia’s role as the country’s first female prime minister and her contribution to the struggle for democracy.

“As the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered,” Hasina said.

She added that Zia’s death represented “a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life” and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Zia, who led the BNP for many years and served three terms as prime minister, passed away in Dhaka earlier on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

Hasina also offered prayers for Zia’s soul and expressed sympathy to her family, including her son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as to party leaders and supporters.

“I hope Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength and comfort to endure this difficult time,” she said.

‘The Battle of the Begums’

For more than three decades, Zia and Hasina were the two dominant figures in Bangladeshi politics, alternately leading the country and shaping a deeply polarised political landscape defined by fierce rivalry between their parties. They are often referred to domestically as the “two leaders”.

Together, they held the office of prime minister for over 30 of Bangladesh’s 54 years of independence. At one point, their bitter rivalry was depicted in international media as the “Battle of the Two Begums”, according to Bdnews24.

Hasina fled to India in 2024

Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh on 5 August last year, following mass protests that brought down her Awami League government. She has since been declared a fugitive by a court.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the United States and previously served as an adviser on ICT affairs in his mother’s government, also offered condolences to Zia’s bereaved family.

“Despite being subjected to a depoliticisation process in the past, throughout her political career she achieved many successes and shaped several policies for the country,” Joy wrote in a Facebook post.

He added that Zia would be remembered for her role in nation‑building and described her death as “a blow to stabilising Bangladesh”.

PTI