TBT DESK: The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives has organised a solemn memorial programme to honour the life, leadership and international legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and one of the country’s most influential political figures.
The international memorial meeting was held last Friday at the auditorium of Maldives National University (MNU) in Malé, drawing senior members of the Maldivian government, foreign diplomats and members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community.
Ministers, High Commissioners, Ambassadors and representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan and several other countries attended the event, reflecting the wide respect she commanded across the region and beyond. The Bangladesh High Commission shared the details in a press release issued on Sunday.
As part of the programme, a commemorative book and documentary titled “In Memoriam: Begum Khaleda Zia – Condolence Messages from the Diplomatic Community and Expatriate Bangladeshis in Maldives” were formally unveiled. The publication features condolence messages from the President, Vice-President and Foreign Minister of the Maldives, along with tributes from prominent political figures.
The High Commission said the event formed part of the three-day state mourning declared by the Government of Bangladesh following Begum Zia’s passing.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted Begum Khaleda Zia’s pioneering role in shaping female leadership in South Asia and strengthening democratic values in Bangladesh. They noted that the commemorative publication would stand as a lasting symbol of the close friendship between Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Chief Guest Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Maldivian Minister of Higher Education and Labour, described her as “an inspirational figure in South Asian politics” whose contribution to bilateral relations would always be remembered.
Special Speaker Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, recalled her commitment to education and women’s empowerment, saying her initiatives would “keep her immortal in the pages of history”.
The programme was attended by several senior diplomats, including British High Commissioner Nick D. Low, Indian High Commissioner Shri G. Balasubramanian, Pakistan High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retd.) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, US Chargé d’Affaires Chunnong Saeger and UN Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang.
Representatives from UNICEF, the Russian Consulate General, the Chinese Embassy and former Maldivian Deputy Foreign Minister Jeffrey Saleem Waheed were also present.
Presided over by Bangladesh High Commissioner Dr Md Nazmul Islam, the event concluded with the screening of a documentary on Begum Zia’s life and achievements. A commemorative magazine was distributed among guests, while another documentary titled “Bangladesh–Maldives Relations: A Bridge of Friendship” was also shown.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Nazmul Islam stressed the importance of preserving condolence messages and historical records related to the late Prime Minister, calling them a vital part of Bangladesh’s national heritage.
The emotional programme, moderated by Counsellor (Labour) Md Sohel Parvez, was attended by MNU Chancellor Dr Mahmood Shougee and Vice-Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam, along with hundreds of expatriate Bangladeshis.
Many in the audience were visibly moved, as the evening became not only a tribute to a former leader, but also a shared moment of remembrance for a woman who left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political and social landscape.
