Mudavadi Pays Condolence Visit to Bangladesh High Commission Following Death of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
The visit came just as Bangladesh was observing national mourning for one of its towering political actors.
Mr. Mudavadi signed the condolence book on Tuesday afternoon at the Bangladesh High Commission in Nairobi. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
On Tuesday, Primus Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, paid condolences to the High Commission of Bangladesh in Nairobi after the demise of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and its first female premier, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia.
While at the High Commission, Mr. Mudavadi signed the condolence book opened in remembrance of the late stateswoman, whom he described as a historic leader whose contribution to Bangladesh’s political development and democratic journey would be remembered for ages. The visit came just as Bangladesh was observing national mourning for one of its towering political actors.
Mr. Mudavadi expressed, on behalf of Kenya, his deepest sympathies to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, noting that Kenya stands with Bangladesh in this time of sorrow. Mr. Mudavadi remarked that the death of Begum Khaleda Zia was not only a national calamity for Bangladesh but, indeed, a major event for the rest of the world, given her input toward building the modern political landscape of that country and inspiring women in leadership across the globe.
Speaking to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Chiranjib Sarker, the Prime Cabinet Secretary again reaffirmed that Kenya is committed to, and would endeavour to further, the long-standing cordial bilateral relations between the two nations. He observed that Kenya and Bangladesh share good ties of friendship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and common interest on bilateral and multilateral platforms.
Mr. Mudavadi acknowledged that Kenya values its diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, emphasizing that they continue to deepen cooperation in trade, education, multilateral diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges. He assured the High Commissioner that even as the country grieves the loss of one of its admired leaders, Kenya remains dedicated to fortifying this partnership for the advantage of both nations.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also acknowledged the historic role of Begum Khaleda Zia as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a roadbuilder and barrier-breaker in a mainly male-dominant political landscape. He observed that her leadership legacy continues to resonate beyond the borders of Bangladesh, more so in developing countries where women are still fighting for major representation and participatory governance.
The High Commissioner Chiranjib Sarker thanked the Government of Kenya for this expression of solidarity and for the support provided in such a difficult time. He observed that the visit and message of condolence demonstrated the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.
The condolence visits captured Kenya’s age-old tradition of respecting the partner nations during the time of their loss. It, furthermore, cemented Nairobi’s resolve to grow and maintain real international cooperation on the basis of empathy, collusion, and commonality.
Begum Khaleda Zia served Bangladesh at one of the most critical junctures of its history and remains one of the most prominent political figures of the nation. Her recent demise signifies an end of an era as leaders and citizens reflect upon her contributions to public service, democracy, and national leadership.
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