Different trade bodies, professional organisations and right groups of the country have expressed condolences at the death of BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In separate messages, they also expressed on Tuesday their sympathy to her family, including her son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other supporters, and wished peace for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 80.
President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC, B) Mahbubur Rahman expressed his deep shock and condoled the death of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
"I am deeply shocked and grieved at the sad demise of your beloved mother Begum Khaleda Zia, three terms Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Chairperson of BNP," the ICC,B president said in a condolence message to Mr. Tarique Rahman.
Mr. Mahbubur Rahman further said: "With her departure we have lost the visionary leader of our time, who has led the country in re-establishing our lost democracy and rule of law, after the assassination of your illustrious father President Ziaur Rahman."
She remained uncompromised leader and fought for ensuring long-standing democracy over the decades, despite being tortured and harassed for years, he mentioned.
"She has passed away at a time when Bangladesh is in dire need of a leader like her," the ICC,B leader said expressing his deepest condolence on behalf of the world business organisation and on his own behalf.
The ICC Bangladesh leader also prayed to Almighty Allah for eternal peace and salvation of the departed soul and for giving enough strength to Mr Tarique and his family members to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude.
In another condolence statement, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said the nation will remember with gratitude the contributions and long struggle of Begum Khaleda Zia in establishing democracy and the people's rights in Bangladesh.
"The nation has lost an honest and patriotic leader," he said, adding that the nation has inspired through her long struggle and uncompromising leadership.
The business community at various critical junctures has found her beside them, said Mr. Khan.
President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Taskeen Ahmed on behalf of its Board also expressed deepest condolences at the death of Khaleda Zia.
"She played a pioneering role in the struggle to establish democratic governance in Bangladesh and worked relentlessly throughout her life to uphold the socio-economic and democratic rights of the people of the country, which will be remembered with utmost respect forever," he noted.
President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Mahmud Hasan Khan in a statement said: "We, the entire garment industry family, are deeply saddened and shocked by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.
"The country has lost a guardian and a timeless patriotic leader," he added.
The BGMEA leader further said: "This irreplaceable void in national life cannot be filled. Her sincerity and timely and courageous decisions in the global expansion of the ready-made garment industry will forever be a milestone in the progress of the industry."
President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem in a condolence message said Begum Zia's contributions to the country will be remembered with utmost respect forever.
President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) Showkat Aziz Russel in a separate condolence statement said: "On behalf of the board of directors and BTMA member mills, we express our deepest condolence (at the demise of Begum Zia) and also convey sympathy to members of the bereaved family."
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) in its condolence statement said Khaleda Zia's exemplary leadership marked a defining chapter in Bangladesh's modern history.
"She broke barriers and reshaped the legacy of women's leadership in South Asia and beyond. We remember her national leadership and democratic legacy in shaping the economy, education, and nation building," the Amcham said, expressing its belief that the nation would remain united and draw lessons from her resilience, empathy, and dedication to public life.
Meantime, the country's bourses --Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh and different other trade bodies including Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA), Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), Gazipur Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Jeweler's Association (BAJUS), Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA), Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers And Dealers Association (BARVIDA), Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries also expressed condolence.
Professional organisations including Bangladesh Economic Association, Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), and right groups namely Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and Citizens for Good Governance or SHUJAN, among others, also conveyed their condolences at the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.
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