Sheikh Hasina Issues Condolence Message for Archrival Khaleda Zia

In a significant political development, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her condolences following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Despite a decades-long and often bitter rivalry that defined the "Battle of the Begums," Hasina issued a formal statement via the Awami League’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday.

Hasina’s message acknowledged Khaleda Zia as a pivotal figure in the nation's history. Hasina recognized Khaleda Zia's milestone as the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

She highlighted Khaleda’s contributions to the movements aimed at establishing democracy in the country. Hasina described the death as a major void in Bangladesh’s political landscape and extended sympathy to Tarique Rahman and the bereaved family.

The condolences come against a backdrop of intense political friction. Under Hasina’s 15-year tenure, Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 and later placed under house arrest. While Hasina conditionally suspended the sentence in 2020, her government famously denied Khaleda permission to travel abroad for critical medical care.

The roles have shifted dramatically since the student-led uprising in August 2024. While Khaleda Zia was fully exonerated of her legal charges following Hasina’s ouster, Sheikh Hasina now remains in India.

The current report notes that Hasina herself has faced recent legal judgments in Bangladesh, including a death sentence from the International Crimes Tribunal related to the suppression of the July uprising.