The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, has conveyed his deep condolences to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman following the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

In a condolence letter sent on Tuesday, Ambassador Yao described Khaleda Zia as a trusted friend of the Chinese people, noting that her contributions left a lasting impact on relations between Bangladesh and China. He wrote that she would be remembered in China with profound gratitude and the highest respect. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka later shared the letter on its official Facebook page.

In the message addressed to Tarique Rahman, Ambassador Yao expressed his sorrow, stating that he was writing with deep grief to offer sympathy over the death of Khaleda Zia—former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, BNP Chairperson, and Rahman’s beloved mother.

Separately, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent condolence messages to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain.

Ambassador Yao noted in his letter that Khaleda Zia had long stood as a symbol of Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and played a steadfast role in the country’s journey since independence. Her leadership, he said, helped shape national history, while her determination inspired the people of Bangladesh. He added that her role in strengthening bilateral ties had left an enduring legacy.

The Chinese envoy also reaffirmed that the Communist Party of China would continue to maintain its longstanding friendly relations with the BNP under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Concluding the letter, Ambassador Yao once again extended his heartfelt condolences, offering prayers for Khaleda Zia’s eternal peace and expressing hope that her contributions to Bangladesh and to China–Bangladesh relations would be remembered forever.