Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday to convey condolences over the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Upon arrival, Sadiq was received by senior officials of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissioner of Pakistan, according to a press release.
Ahead of the namaz-e-janaza, the Pakistani speaker met BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Zia at the Parliament building. During the meeting, Sadiq conveyed heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Parliament and people of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf.
He said the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with Tarique Rahman, the bereaved family, BNP leaders and members, and the people of Bangladesh at this time of grief. The Speaker also handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Tarique Rahman.
Tarique Rahman expressed his appreciation for the sympathy and solidarity shown by the Government, Parliament and people of Pakistan. Paying tribute to Begum Zia, Sadiq recalled the special bond she shared with Pakistan and her commitment to revitalizing historical ties, mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Both sides recalled the historical affinities between Pakistan and Bangladesh and noted that her vision could continue to guide future engagements.
Later, the Speaker offered janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia.
In the evening, Sadiq paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and conveyed condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh on the demise of Begum Zia. The two leaders recalled her stature as a distinguished political leader, noting that her resilience and contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic evolution were recognized and appreciated worldwide. They also lauded her dedication to public service, which positively changed the lives of millions of Bangladeshis, and appreciated her vision for peace, progress and regional connectivity.
Chief Adviser Yunus thanked the Speaker for visiting Bangladesh and for expressing solidarity at this juncture. He also recalled his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and appreciated their messages of condolence.
