JS adopts condolence motion for Khaleda, other notable figures

The first session of the 13th National Parliament adopted a condolence motion over the deaths of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with several distinguished personalities from home and abroad.

The condolence motion was placed at the beginning of the session on Thursday (March 12) on behalf of the Speaker.

While placing the motion, it was said that the nation lost three-time former prime minister and uncompromising leader of democracy Khaleda Zia on December 30 last year. Her contributions to safeguarding democracy in the country as the Muslim world’s second female prime minister and former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament will be remembered forever.

Parliament also expressed condolences over the deaths of several influential international figures. The list includes former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

During the session, condolence motions were also brought over the deaths of 31 former members of parliament, including former president and founder of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury. Their biographies were read out in parliament as part of the condolence motion.

Among other notable personalities mentioned in the list were former deputy leader of parliament Matia Chowdhury, former army chief KM Shafiullah, former minister Abdullah Al Noman, Mostafa Mohsin Montu, freedom fighter Abdul Karim Khandker, and Ramesh Chandra Sen, among a total of 31 distinguished political figures.

After the condolence motion was placed, members of parliament observed a one-minute silence while standing in the House and prayed for the departed souls. The motion was later adopted unanimously.

The Parliament Secretariat said copies of the condolence motion will be sent to the families of the deceased.