Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday evening and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and government of Bangladesh on the demise of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The two leaders recalled her stature as a distinguished political leader whose resilience and contributions to the democratic evolution of Bangladesh are recognised and appreciated across the world.

They lauded her dedication to public service which changed the lives of millions of Bangladeshis for good, recalling her vision for peace, progress and connectivity of the region.

Thanking the Speaker for visiting and expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this juncture, the Chief Adviser profoundly recalled his meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and DPM/FM Ishaq Dar and appreciated their messages of condolences.

The Speaker arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to offer condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.

On arrival, senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and High Commissioner of Pakistan received him.

Before the funeral prayer, he had a meeting with Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Zia and Acting Chairman of BNP at the Parliament building.

On behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Parliament and people of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Speaker expressed heartfelt condolences and profound sorrow at the passing away of Begum Zia.

He reaffirmed that people of Pakistan stand with Tarique Rahman, bereaved family, members and leaders of BNP and brotherly people of Bangladesh in this moment of deep sorrow.

He also handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Tarique Rahman, who appreciated the sympathy and solidarity expressed by the Government, Parliament and people of Pakistan in this hour of grief.

The Speaker paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia noting the special bond she shared with Pakistan and her commitment towards revitalising historical ties, mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Both sides recalled the historical affinities between the two countries and noted that her vision may guide future engagements.

Afterwards, the Speaker offered the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia.