Dhaka: Eminent citizens of the country have remembered three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with deep respect, saying that to build the country, people must advance on the path shown by her. They said that Khaleda Zia, who endured prolonged political oppression and extreme repression, did not spread animosity even after the mass uprising of 2024. Instead, she called for unity, mobilizing the strength of youth, and building a knowledge-based country and nation. Citizens urged all to move forward by embracing the path she had shown.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the speakers made these observations at a citizens’ condolence meeting titled “Invincible Begum Khaleda Zia”, held this afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in remembrance of Begum Khaleda Zia. At the condolence meeting, eminent personalities discussed Begum Khaleda Zia’s long political life, her uncompromising role in Bangladesh’s democratic movement, and her contributions to state governance. They highlighted different aspects of the late leader’s political wisdom, sacrifices, and leadership qualities, recalling how she rose from a homemaker to become the Prime Minister of the country.
Top political leaders, diplomats, journalists, development workers, academics, researchers, editors, business leaders, and people from various professions attended the condolence meeting. The meeting concluded at 5:30 pm with prayers and supplications seeking forgiveness for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Earlier, at 2:30 pm, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with his family, attended the citizens’ condolence meeting at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. He was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Sharmila Rahman, and other family members. After Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue and before the formal programme began, a documentary on Khaleda Zia was screened. At 3:05 pm, the condolence meeting formally began with recitation from the Holy Quran. Saleh Uddin, Executive Editor of Daily Ittefaq, presented the eulogy.
Subsequently, speeches were delivered one by one by various prominent figures, including writer Faham Abdus Salam; President of the Puja Udjapan Parishad Basudeb Dhar; Khaleda Zia’s physician Dr F M Siddiqui; former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government Debashish Roy; Editor of Amar Desh Mahmudur Rahman; President of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB) Mahbubur Rahman; and several others.
In his presidential address, former Chief Justice Syed JR Modassir Hossain said Begum Khaleda Zia was not only the leader of a political party but also a repeatedly elected Prime Minister and an important stakeholder in the democratic era of Bangladesh. In her personal life, he said, she was extraordinarily strong-willed and demonstrated patience and self-respect even during political struggles and difficult times. He expressed sadness and astonishment over her treatment, stating that Begum Khaleda Zia had been imprisoned for a long time in a vindictive case, which he described as a painful chapter in the country’s political history.
Economist and political analyst Professor Mahbub Ullah said Khaleda Zia loved the country deeply-its land and its water-and fought for its interests. Recalling the initiative by the Indian government to build the Tipaimukh Dam, he said she had instructed them to organize a large-scale seminar to raise public awareness and voice national demands. He added that if her party and the country embraced these principles, they would be saved.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said people could freely express their love and respect for Begum Zia, recalling what he described as a bizarre trial she had faced. He cited an instance where, upon hearing a lawyer’s argument, she exclaimed in astonishment, “What! Have I embezzled an orphan’s money?”-which, he said, was later recorded by the judge as an admission of guilt.
Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam said that when the previous government oppressed Khaleda Zia in various ways and placed her under house arrest, she heartbreakingly did not receive proper treatment. He said the message she gave on August 7, 2024, reflected her magnanimity against destruction and vengeance.
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir said that through her death, Khaleda Zia had proven she was not only the leader of the BNP but had truly become the leader of the people and the country, as demonstrated by the participation of hundreds of thousands of people in her janaza, regardless of party affiliation.
Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman said the political legacy and the flag of struggle of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and stateswoman Begum Khaleda Zia had now been entrusted to Tarique Rahman-a matter of pride as well as deep responsibility and challenge.
Eminent economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said Khaleda Zia had three great qualities: she listened, she knew how to ask questions, and she made decisions considering the country’s interests and global importance.
Referring to Khaleda Zia’s message of moving away from vengeance, writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmed said she had led her party out of devastation during her rise, governed with authority, and later became a victim of persecution after 2007.
Editor of Jai Jai Din Shafiq Rehman called for the February 12 election to be held by all means. He said the government had promised a festive atmosphere and urged the police to play a positive role so that people could go to polling centers enthusiastically and vote.
ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman said that during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, infrastructure development, rule of law, and policies ensuring investment security and certainty helped place the economy on a stronger foundation.
Professor Ali Riaz and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Manir Haider also attended the meeting.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Abdul Moeen Khan, Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, A Z M Zahid Hossain, Security Adviser Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, and other senior leaders were present.
Members of the army, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar, and various law enforcement and intelligence agencies were deployed to ensure security at the venue. Security was strengthened as the crowd increased, while leaders and activists of various BNP wings and affiliated organizations helped maintain order at the event.