PM expresses shock at the demise of UAE president

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday conveyed profound shock and grief to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

"The Government and People of Bangladesh join me in conveying our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Your Highness and through you to the bereaved members of the Royal family and the Emirati brethren at this critical moment of grief and sorrow," she said in a message of condolence.

She reiterated that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a great statesman, a great ruler of Abu Dhabi, and a visionary leader of the Muslim Ummah.

"His dynamic leadership, sagacity, and dedication to the national development of the United Arab Emirates and the advancement of the Islamic cause are some cases in points that will keep him a memorable personality in history." She said.

Hasina said that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also a great friend and well-wisher of Bangladesh and was particularly a guardian of the Bangladeshi community living in the UAE.

She conveyed highest tribute on behalf of the people of Bangladesh to the departed soul.

"We join hands in prayer for his eternal peace that Almighty Allah will grant him the highest place in Jannah. We also pray to Allah for bestowing courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved Royal Family and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates to bear this irreparable loss."

The prime minister also wrote another condolence letter addressed to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.

In her letter she wrote that she, on behalf of the People and Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, and on her own behalf, conveyed deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies at the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a dynamic and visionary statesman of the UAE. He dedicated his whole life to the cause of the socio-economic transformation of the UAE, making it a prosperous and forward-looking nation, she said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh government has decided to mourn the death of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the state level on Saturday. Therefore, Bangladesh’s national flag at all the government, semi-government, autonomous organisations and educational institutions will fly half-mast, said a cabinet division circular.

All mosque will arrange special ‘Dua’ programme while other religious organisations will have special prayer sessions for the salvation of the Crown Prince’s departed soul.