The Saudi leadership offers condolences to Bangladesh on the death of Khaleda Zia
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, sent a cable of condolences to His Excellency President Mohammad Shahabuddin, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, on the death of Her Excellency Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of the Republic. In his cable, the King expressed his deep sorrow and grief upon receiving the news of her passing, saying: “We have learned of the death of Her Excellency Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, may God have mercy on her. We extend to Your Excellency and to the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy. We ask God Almighty to grant her His abundant mercy and forgiveness, to admit her to His spacious Paradise, and to protect you from all harm. To God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”.
In the same vein, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar cable of condolences to His Excellency President Mohammad Shahabuddin. In his cable, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said: “I received the news of the passing of Her Excellency Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, may God have mercy on her. I extend to Your Excellency and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, asking Almighty God to grant her His abundant mercy and forgiveness, to admit her to His spacious Paradise, and to protect you from all harm. He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.”.
A distinguished political career and far-reaching influence
Khaleda Zia is a pivotal figure in the modern political history of Bangladesh. She served two terms as Prime Minister (1991–1996 and 2001–2006), becoming the first woman to hold this high office in her country's history and the second in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto. Khaleda Zia led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for decades and is the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, the party's founder. Her terms in office were characterized by a strong focus on economic reforms and trade liberalization, as well as her efforts to promote compulsory education for girls, which had a tangible social impact in Bangladesh.
The depth of Saudi-Bangladeshi relations
The condolences offered by the Saudi leadership on the passing of Mrs. Khaleda Zia reflect the depth of the fraternal and historical ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of Bangladesh. These relations are characterized by their strength and stability, based on strong religious and cultural bonds, as well as joint cooperation in various international forums, particularly under the umbrella of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Kingdom has always been a major supporter of Bangladesh's stability and development and appreciates the role played by Bangladeshi leaders in strengthening Islamic solidarity. This gracious gesture from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to standing by its sister nations in times of joy and sorrow, and embodies the values of loyalty and appreciation for those who have contributed to serving their countries and the Muslim world.
