Khaleda Zia’s death a blow to stabilising Bangladesh, says Hasina's son Joy

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has expressed condolences over the death of BNP chief and former premier Khaleda Zia.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Joy extended his sympathies to Khaleda’s family and supporters, describing her death as a blow to the country’s efforts to stabilise during its political transition.

“At such a critical time when countrymen are reeling from a lack of safety, with efforts underway to destabilise and depoliticise the country, her passing away will leave a deep impact on the country’s transition,” he wrote.

Despite the long-standing political rivalry between Khaleda and Hasina, Joy acknowledged Khaleda’s role in shaping national policy, saying she achieved “a host of successes” over the course of her political career.

“Despite being subjected to a depoliticisation process in the past, throughout her political career, she achieved a host of successes and shaped several policies for the country.

“She will be remembered for her contributions to nation-building, but her death is a blow to stabilising Bangladesh.”

Hasina also issued a separate condolence message, expressing sympathy to Khaleda’s family and the BNP. She described Khaleda as a significant political figure whose contributions to the country would be remembered.

Khaleda, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, died under hospital care on Tuesday at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. Her decades-long rivalry with Hasina defined the country’s politics for a generation, with the two leaders alternating in power and shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape since the 1990s.