China has said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s important contributions to promoting Bangladesh-China friendship and the bilateral relationship will forever be remembered.

“Khaleda Zia is an old and dear friend of Chinese people and long committed to China-Bangladesh friendship,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian.

He said China expresses deep condolences over the passing of Khaleda Zia and heartfelt sympathies to the interim government of Bangladesh and Khaleda’s family.

While in office as the prime minister of Bangladesh, the Spokesperson said, she made active efforts to develop Bangladesh-China ties and the two countries established the comprehensive partnership of cooperation featuring long-term friendship, equality and mutual benefit.

Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.

She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present.

Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial.

On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.