By Khawaja Hamza
Dhaka, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, visited Dhaka on Wednesday to offer condolences to the family of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Sadiq’s visit comes as Bangladesh mourns the passing of a towering political figure, who shaped the nation’s politics for decades.
Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80, was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister in Bangladesh. She led the country for three terms, with her legacy leaving a deep imprint on the country’s political and social landscape. Her death marks the end of an era for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the political force she headed for years.
Sadiq Meets Zia’s Family
During his visit, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, and her daughter to express his profound grief over their mother’s death. “In this moment of sorrow, the government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with you and the people of Bangladesh,” Sadiq told the family.
He shared a personal message with Tarique Rahman, expressing that Pakistan deeply empathizes with the loss of the Zia family and the nation as a whole. Tarique and his sister thanked the Speaker for his thoughtful visit and condolences, as well as for attending the funeral prayers.
Sadiq’s visit is a testament to the close ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with both nations often working together on matters of mutual interest.
Bangladesh Pays its Respects
Bangladesh bid farewell to its former Prime Minister with a state funeral, a fitting tribute to a woman whose political journey was marked by both triumphs and controversies. Flags were flown at half-mast as her body was taken through Dhaka’s streets, draped in the national flag. A sea of mourners, many waving both the national flag and BNP banners, gathered outside the parliament building for her funeral procession.
In an emotional display, thousands lined the streets to catch a final glimpse of the leader. Many mourners, including retired officials and young people alike, came to pay their respects, recognizing Zia’s significant role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. One such mourner, Minhaz Uddin, 70, said, “I didn’t always agree with her politics, but I came to honor the contributions she made to our country.”
Legacy of Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia’s legacy is more than just political; she left a lasting mark on education and women’s rights in Bangladesh. Many mourners, especially women, remembered how her government’s policies, such as stipends for girls’ education, empowered countless women across the country. “She has been an inspiration,” said Sharmina Siraj, a 40-year-old mother of two, adding that Zia’s education initiatives had “a huge impact” on the future of Bangladeshi girls.
Despite suffering from chronic health problems and imprisonment over the years, Zia remained a central figure in Bangladeshi politics. She had even vowed to campaign in the upcoming February 12 elections, though her health had worsened significantly in the days leading to her death.
Her son, Tarique Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, is now expected to take up the mantle of leadership for the BNP, and many believe the party remains a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Messages of Sympathy from Pakistan
Pakistan’s government, through Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, conveyed messages of condolence from President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Bangladeshi leadership. The Pakistani government expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in this time of loss.
A Historic Farewell
In a statement, Tarique Rahman reflected on his mother’s resilience: “She endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution, but her resilience was unbreakable.” Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic journey will be remembered for generations to come.
Zia’s final resting place will be alongside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, the former president who was assassinated in 1981. As Bangladesh moves forward, Zia’s political legacy will continue to shape the direction of her party and the country.
Looking Ahead
While Khaleda Zia may no longer be with them, her impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape is undeniable. Her son, Tarique Rahman, is poised to lead the BNP in the upcoming elections. The future of Bangladesh’s democracy, particularly for the BNP, will no doubt be shaped by the memory and legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia.
As the nation bids farewell to a woman who was both revered and controversial, one thing is certain: her political journey will not be forgotten.
