Zia was a three-time prime minister and held the position of chairperson of BNP. She played a major role in restoring democracy after a period of tumultuous military rule.
Zia, 80, who died in Dhaka on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, was Bangladesh's first woman prime minister and dominated the country's politics for decades.
In a condolence letter addressed to Zia's son Tarique Rahman, China's envoy Yao Wen said the former PM was a steadfast champion of freedom and a key figure in her country's political history.
Despite political differences, Yunus said, her long political journey, dedicated to national welfare, people-oriented leadership, and firm resolve, consistently showed the way forward.
