Washington: Mourning the passing of the Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman, the US Secretary of State John Kerry said his death offers a moment for all Bangladeshis to come together in mourning and reflect on what unites them as a nation.
"We were saddened to learn of the passing of the President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman. From his early days as a history student and political activist, President Rahman dedicated his life to the people of Bangladesh," Kerry said in a statement yesterday.
"His efforts helped lead to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, and his subsequent decades of public service helped Bangladesh establish itself as the democracy it is today.
As Bangladesh nears the 42nd anniversary of its independence, President Rahman`s death offers a moment for all Bangladeshis to come together in mourning and reflect on what unites them as a nation," he said.
"On behalf of the American people, I offer my sympathies to President Rahman`s family and to the Bangladeshi people during this sad time," Kerry said.
The Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird in a statement said the people of Canada are saddened to learn of President Rahman`s passing.
"He will be remembered as someone who fought for democracy and for the betterment of the lives of his fellow citizens," he said.
"On behalf of all Canadians, we express our deepest condolences to the people of Bangladesh and to President Rahman`s family and friends in particular. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this most difficult time," Baird said.
PTI
