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DHAKA, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives 
today organised a commemorative programme honouring late former Prime 
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, documenting messages of condolence from Maldivian 
leaders, diplomats and the Bangladeshi Diaspora to preserve her enduring 
legacy.

Following the Bangladesh government's observance of three days of national 
mourning, the High Commission undertook a formal initiative to compile, 
archive and preserve condolence messages received from the Maldivian 
leadership, the diplomatic community and Bangladeshi expatriates residing in 
the Maldives.

As part of the initiative, the High Commission organised a commemorative 
programme and launched a special publication and documentary titled "In 
Memoriam: Begum Khaleda Zia - Messages of Condolence from the Diplomatic 
Community and Bangladeshi Diaspora in the Maldives." 

The event was held at the auditorium of Maldives National University, 
according to a message received here today. 

The programme was attended by representatives of Maldivian government, 
members of the diplomatic and international community, senior academics and a 
large number of Bangladeshi Diaspora members, who gathered to pay tribute to 
the life, leadership and contributions of the late three-time former Prime 
Minister and Bangladesh's first female premier.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by 
opening remarks from Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Md Nazmul 
Islam.  

A documentary titled "Bangladesh-Maldives Relations: A Bridge of Friendship" 
was then screened.
The chief guest of the programme was Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher 
Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives, while Mariyam 
Zulfa, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended as special guest. The 
special discussant was Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of 
Dhaka.

Members of the diplomatic and international community who spoke at the 
programme included Nick D Low, British High Commissioner to the Maldives; G 
Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India; Faisal Rasul Lodhi, High 
Commissioner of Pakistan; and Hao Zhang, UN Resident Coordinator to the 
Maldives.

Representatives from the United States, Sri Lanka, Russia, UNICEF and China 
were also present. 

The academic community was represented by Mahamood Shougee, Chancellor of 
Maldives National University, and Vice Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam.

Representing the Bangladeshi diaspora, several community leaders shared 
reflections on Begum Khaleda Zia's leadership and her role in shaping 
Bangladesh's political landscape.

Speakers recalled her contributions to democratic governance, regional 
cooperation and international engagement, paying deep respect to her legacy.

The programme concluded with the screening of the commemorative documentary 
bearing the same title as the publication, followed by the formal 
presentation of copies of the documentary magazine to distinguished guests.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi expatriates attended the programme, reflecting the 
widespread respect and admiration for the late Prime Minister.

The initiative aims to preserve the messages of condolence as a lasting 
testament to Begum Khaleda Zia's legacy and the strong bonds of friendship 
and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and the Maldives.