Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has issued a poignant condolence message following the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Joy, a prominent figure in the Awami League and former ICT advisor to the government, expressed “deep condolences to the bereaved family members” on Khaleda Zia’s demise on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the challenging times facing the nation, he noted that “at such a critical time when countrymen are reeling from a lack of safety, with efforts underway to destabilise and depoliticise the country, her passing away will leave a deep impact on the country’s transition.”
Highlighting Khaleda Zia’s enduring legacy despite past adversities, Joy stated that “despite being subjected to a depoliticisation process in the past, throughout her political career, she achieved a host of successes and shaped several policies for the country.”
He emphasised that “she will be remembered for her contributions to nation-building,” while describing her death as “a blow to stabilising Bangladesh.” In closing, Joy offered “heartfelt prayers with her countless supporters and well-wishers.”
In a time of division, Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s statement stands as a testament to recognising shared history and humanity beyond political battles.
Sheikh Hasina condoles death of BNP chief Khaleda Zia in gesture of grace
Tarique Rahman’s Human Rights Day Message: A masterclass in duplicity
2001-06: How dangerous was Tarique Rahman?
This gracious tribute comes from the heart of a family long embroiled in rivalry with Khaleda Zia, underscoring a moment of unity in grief. Sheikh Hasina, Joy’s mother and Khaleda Zia’s archrival for decades, also extended condolences earlier, praising the BNP chief’s role as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and her contributions to democracy.
Khaleda Zia, aged 80, passed away early this morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged battle with multiple ailments, including liver cirrhosis, kidney issues, and lung infections. Her death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, where she and Hasina—known as the “Battling Begums”—alternately led the nation and defined its polarised landscape.
Khaleda Zia’s political journey began tragically with the 1981 assassination of her husband, President General Ziaur Rahman, propelling her from a private life into the forefront of the BNP the next year. She served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, for over a month in 1996, and from 2001 to 2006 and was blamed for rehabilitating Jamaat-e-Islami and the 1971 war criminals. Her patronisation of the extremist groups led the country towards the verge of collapse.
Despite being cursed, Sheikh Hasina expresses concern for ailing Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia gets VVIP status and SSF protection as Tarique notices invisible threat
Sajeeb Wazed: Yunus is preparing to flee as ‘foreign hand’ shadows polls
Khaleda Zia was convicted of corruption in 2018, spending time in prison and at her home under special arrangement before her release and acquittal in August 2024. Her son, Tarique Rahman, returned from the UK on December 25 after 17 years, adding emotional weight to the family’s loss.
As Bangladesh observes three days of state mourning, with funeral prayers scheduled for Wednesday, Joy’s words resonate as a call for reflection amid ongoing instability. Political observers note that such gestures from the Hasina family could signal potential paths toward reconciliation in a nation grappling with transition and uncertainty.
Bengali 
English