The Election Commission (EC) has expressed deep sorrow at the death of BNP Chairperson and former three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia.
In a message issued on Tuesday, the EC said Khaleda Zia was an influential and significant figure in Bangladesh’s democratic politics. Following the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1991, she assumed office as the country’s first female prime minister and later governed the country for two more terms in 1996 and 2001.
Throughout her political career, she played a notable role in promoting multiparty democracy, constitutional governance, and political participation. She also remained actively engaged in parliamentary politics for a long time as Leader of the Opposition, playing an uncompromising role in the restoration of democracy.
The statement also noted that her political role in the development of the electoral process and democratic institutions will remain memorable in the history of Bangladesh.
The election commissioners prayed for the forgiveness of her departed soul and extended their deepest condolences to her bereaved family members, relatives, and colleagues.
Khaleda Zia breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
