Trade bodies mourn Khaleda Zia, pay tribute to her legacy

Leading trade and business bodies yesterday expressed deep condolences over the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, paying tribute to her political legacy and her role in shaping policies that supported private enterprise and economic growth.

She breathed her last yesterday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. She was 80.

In separate statements, business leaders described Khaleda Zia as a judicious political figure whose leadership left a lasting imprint on the country's democratic journey and economic landscape.

Mahbubur Rahman, president of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB), in a letter to Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, said he was deeply shocked and grieved at the sad demise of his beloved mother, Khaleda Zia.

"With her departure, we have lost the visionary leader of our time, who led the country in re-establishing our lost democracy and rule of law, after the assassination of your illustrious father, President Ziaur Rahman," reads the letter.

"She remained an uncompromising leader and fought to ensure long-lasting democracy over the decades despite being tortured and harassed for years. She passed away at a time when Bangladesh is in dire need of a leader like her," it adds.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country's apex trade body, said Bangladesh had lost a patriotic and principled leader who played a long and uncompromising role in the struggle to establish democracy and safeguard people's rights.

The FBCCI added that the business community stood by her at critical junctures and would remember her contributions with gratitude.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) also mourned her demise.

DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, on behalf of the board of directors and members, expressed deep condolences.

The chamber recalled that she was the country's first female prime minister, and said her lifelong efforts to advance democratic governance and protect socio-economic rights would be remembered with respect.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) expressed its deepest condolences, saying that her remarkable leadership marked a defining chapter in the country's modern history, breaking barriers and shaping the legacy of women's leadership in South Asia and beyond.

Export-oriented trade bodies also paid tribute. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) expressed condolences and requested factory owners to keep factories closed for one day today as a mark of respect.

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) termed Khaleda Zia a symbol of sovereignty and expressed deep grief over her passing.

Several capital market institutions joined in mourning her death. The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange expressed condolences, with DBA President Saiful Islam describing her death as an irreparable loss for the nation and conveying sympathies to the bereaved family, colleagues and citizens.

Women-led and sector-specific organisations also paid tribute. The Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) expressed heartfelt condolences.

Meanwhile, highlighting her contribution to industrial development, the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries (BAPI) said, "We gratefully acknowledge her special contribution to the development and growth of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry.

"It is particularly noteworthy that under her strong leadership and guidance in 1994, the pharmaceutical sector experienced significant expansion."

Her timely decisions helped make the country self-sufficient in medicine production and transformed the pharmaceutical industry into an export-oriented sector, BAPI said. "She worked with dedication for the country's economic prosperity and security. The people of Bangladesh will remember her contributions to state governance and public service," BAPI added.

Business chambers and professional bodies outside Dhaka also issued statements, expressing grief.

"Her legacy extends beyond politics, having touched the lives of countless citizens through her leadership, resilience and dedication to public life," read a statement from the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SABCCI).

The Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted her role in nation building, while the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) and the Anti-Discriminatory Creative Book Publishers' Association expressed deep sorrow at her passing.

Economic and labour-focused organisations recalled her broader policy impact.

The Bangladesh Economics Association (BEA) said Khaleda Zia was not only a political leader but also an important architect of Bangladesh's economic and social transformation.

Under her leadership, the liberalisation of the free-market economy gained momentum, it said.

The BEA also noted that the Food for Education programme introduced during her tenure marked a milestone in the education sector, while stipends and free education for girls laid a foundation for long-term human resource development and sustainable economic growth.

Expansion of social safety nets and the empowerment of women under her leadership brought significant changes to the country's socio-economic structure, the association added.

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) mourned her passing, describing her as a fearless defender of democracy and women's rights.

BASIS added that her principled leadership and sacrifices will continue to inspire future generations.

The Economic Reporters' Forum, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, Gazipur Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association also expressed condolences and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.