Bangladesh sports fraternity mourns the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia

As the nation bowed its head in grief, the country's sports federations, associations, sports journalists, and leading athletes united in mourning, paying tribute to a stateswoman whose stewardship left an enduring imprint not only on national politics but also on the development of sport in Bangladesh. During her tenure as Prime Minister, Begum Zia played a pivotal role as patron and facilitator of sporting institutions, helping to lay foundations that continue to bear fruit.
Below is a consolidated account of the condolence messages issued by key sports bodies and personalities.

Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA)The Bangladesh Olympic Association expressed deep grief at the passing of the country's first woman Prime Minister. In its official condolence message, BOA recalled Begum Khaleda Zia's role as chief patron of the Association during her time in office, noting that her guidance and encouragement significantly inspired the growth of Olympic sports and the organisation's activities.
BOA President General Waker-uz-Zaman and Secretary General M Zobaidur Rahman, on behalf of all members, officials and staff, prayed for the eternal peace of her soul and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA)
Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), the oldest organisation for Sports Journalist and Sports Writers in the country, mourned the demise of Begum Zia, describing her death as a moment of deep national loss. The Association extended prayers for her and expressed sincere condolences to her family, emphasising her stature as the country's first woman Prime Minister and a towering figure in national life.

Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA)
In a detailed condolence note, the BSJA, another association of country's sports journalists, highlighted Begum Zia's tangible contributions to sports development, particularly in infrastructure and nationwide promotion of sporting activities. The Association also recalled the role of her late son, Arafat Rahman Koko, in Bangladesh cricket administration.
The BSJA expressed solidarity with the nation in mourning and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)
The Bangladesh Football Federation announced the suspension of all scheduled domestic football matches for the day as a mark of respect. In its statement, BFF termed Begum Zia's death an "irreparable loss" to the nation, acknowledging her long and influential political journey.
Federation Cup fixtures, the Under-15 National Championship final and matches of the Women's Football League were all postponed, with revised schedules to be announced later.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
The BCB mourned the former Prime Minister's passing, gratefully acknowledging her contribution to cricket's infrastructural growth and overall advancement during her time in office. The Board described her leadership and encouragement as instrumental in Bangladesh cricket's onward march.

Cricketing Community and Leading Players
Former national captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and several other national cricketers, including Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes and Liton Das, expressed their condolences through social media. They paid tribute to Begum Zia's long political career and extended sympathy to her family during this hour of grief.

Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB)
CWAB issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow, recalling Begum Zia's encouragement and support for the development of Bangladesh cricket. The organisation joined the nation in prayer for her eternal peace.

Bangladesh Archery Federation
The Federation conveyed heartfelt condolences and noted that Begum Zia would be laid to rest with state honours following her Namaz-e-Janajah. Officials, coaches, judges, and athletes prayed for her soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Bangladesh Wushu Federation
In a jointly signed message by its President Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman and General Secretary Md Dildar Hasan Dilu, the Federation expressed profound grief and extended condolences on behalf of its executive committee, officials, judges, coaches, and athletes.

Bangladesh Sepak Takraw Association
The Association General Secretary Faruque Dhali described her passing as a moment of deep national bereavement, offering prayers for her departed soul and strength for her family and the nation to endure the loss.

Bangladesh Cycling Federation
The Federation expressed sincere condolences, with its leadership and staff praying for eternal peace and conveying sympathy to Begum Zia's family.

Bangladesh Swimming Federation
Terming her 'a luminous chapter of contemporary history,' the Swimming Federation recalled Begum Zia as a symbol of unity and sovereignty. The Federation prayed for her forgiveness and eternal abode in Jannatul Ferdous.

Bangladesh Archery Club Association (BACA)
The Association expressed deep shock and sorrow, joining the nation in prayer and extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Bangladesh Kho Kho Federation
The Federation's leadership and members mourned the loss of what they termed an 'unforgettable chapter' of national leadership, praying for her soul and expressing sympathy to her family.

Bangladesh Handball Federation
The Federation joined the nation in grief, describing the loss as irreparable and offering prayers for the departed soul.

Bangladesh Carrom Federation
The Carrom Federation expressed profound sorrow, extending prayers for eternal peace and condolences to the family.

Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited
One of the country's most storied clubs described Begum Zia as an uncompromising leader and a guardian figure for the nation. The Club's board, members, players, and staff expressed deep grief and prayed for her eternal rest.

Bangladesh Athletics Federation
The Federation paid tribute to Begum Zia as a central figure in Bangladesh's democratic journey, stating that her leadership and sacrifices would be remembered with reverence.

Across sporting arenas, sports journos, and sports offices alike, silence spoke louder than words. As one chapter closes, the echoes of Begum Khaleda Zia's influence, political and sporting, will continue to resonate. In the final reckoning, she leaves behind not just memories, but milestones etched into the nation's collective conscience. May she rest in eternal peace.