New York, NY (BBN)- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday said he was saddened by the death of the President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman.
According to media reports, Mr. Rahman died at a hospital in Singapore where he had been receiving treatment for respiratory problems. He was 84.
“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the President, the Government and people of Bangladesh,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.
Mr. Rahman had been President since 2009 and made important contribution to his country’s democratic transition throughout his political life.
On Tuesday, Mr. Ban met in New York with the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary, Shahidul Haque, with whom he exchanged views on the current situation in the country, including issues of accountability and justice. They also discussed the upcoming elections and the importance of a free, fair, credible and inclusive process.
BBN/SSR/AD-21Mar13-9:18 pm (BST)
