Hasina pays tribute to Khaleda Zia, Calls her a key figure in Bangladesh’s democratic history

Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of her longtime political rival and former premier Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her as a significant figure in the country’s political history and praising her role in the struggle to establish democracy.

In a condolence message posted on the Awami League’s official X account, Hasina described Zia’s death as “a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life” and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She highlighted Zia’s historic position as the country’s first woman prime minister and her contribution to the restoration of democratic governance.

“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,” the 78-year-old Awami League leader said.

Hasina also offered prayers for Zia’s soul and conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved family, including Zia’s son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as to party leaders, workers and supporters. “I hope Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength and comfort to endure this difficult time,” she said.

Khaleda Zia, the longtime chief of the BNP and a three-time prime minister, died earlier in the day in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

Hasina and Zia dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape for more than three decades, alternately leading the country and shaping a deeply polarised polity marked by intense rivalry between their parties. In Bangladeshi politics, the two leaders are commonly referred to as the “two leaders,” reflecting their outsized influence on the nation’s governance and political discourse.

Together, Hasina and Zia served as prime minister for more than 30 of Bangladesh’s 54 years since independence. Their bitter personal and political rivalry was at one time described by foreign media as the “Battle of the Two Begums,” Bdnews24 reported.

Hasina has been living in India since August 5 last year, when she fled Bangladesh following a massive protest movement that toppled her Awami League government. She was subsequently declared a fugitive by a Bangladeshi court.

Despite decades of political hostility, Hasina’s condolence message underscored Zia’s enduring legacy in Bangladesh’s history, particularly her pioneering role as a woman leader and her participation in the movement to restore democracy.