Dhaka :- Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan arrived in Dhaka to offer condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). On arrival, he was received by Senior Officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and High Commissioner of Pakistan.
Before the funeral prayer, he had a meeting with Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Zia and Acting Chairman of BNP at the Parliament building. On behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir , Parliament and people of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Speaker expressed heartfelt condolences and profound sorrow at the passing away of Begum Zia. He reaffirmed that people of Pakistan stand with Tarique Rahman, bereaved family, members and leaders of BNP and brotherly people of Bangladesh in this moment of deep sorrow. He also handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Tarique Rahman.
Rahman appreciated the sympathy and solidarity expressed by the Government, Parliament and people of Pakistan in this hour of grief. Sadiq paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia noting the special bond she shared with Pakistan and her commitment towards revitalising historical ties, mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Both sides recalled the historical affinities between our two countries and noted that her vision may guide our future engagements. Afterwards, the Speaker offered the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia.
In the evening, the Speaker called on Professor Muhammad Yunus, Honorable Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and Government of Bangladesh on the demise of Begum Zia. The two leaders recalled her stature as a distinguished political leader whose resilience and contributions to the democratic evolution of Bangladesh are recognised and appreciated across the world. They lauded her dedication to public service which changed the lives of millions of Bangladeshis for good. Both sides also appreciated her vision for peace, progress and connectivity of the region.
The Chief Adviser thanked the Speaker for visiting and expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this juncture. He profoundly recalled his meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and DPM/FM Ishaq Dar and appreciated their messages of condolences.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
