, Dec. 31 -- 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 fea...