United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s three-time former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In a condolence message sent on January 2 to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Guterres conveyed his sympathy on behalf of the United Nations. The message was released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday.

In his message, Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the former Prime Minister. He extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and to Khaleda Zia’s family, noting that as the country’s first female Prime Minister, she held a distinct and dignified place in Bangladesh’s political history. He added that through her long years of public service and leadership, she left a significant mark on the nation’s political life.

Khaleda Zia, known for her uncompromising stance on democracy, passed away on December 30 of the previous year while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80. She was buried with state honors on December 31 beside the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at the capital’s Zia Udyan.