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Khaled Saifulla 3 Jan 2026 , 8:49 AM Print Edition
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia have expressed their profound grief and condolences following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
The official messages were sent through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday (January 1, 2026).
Message from King Salman: In his message, King Salman stated, “We received the news of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia with great sadness. At this mournful time, we express our deepest condolences to you and the family of the deceased. We pray to Almighty Allah to envelop her in His infinite mercy and forgiveness, grant her the highest place in Paradise, and protect you all from every harm.”
Message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: The Crown Prince and Prime Minister added, “We are saddened by the news of the former Prime Minister’s demise. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. May Allah grant her peace and protect the nation from any loss. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing and the Responder to prayers.”
Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday, December 30, while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her passing marks the end of a major era in Bangladeshi politics.
