Gulshan: A doa mahfil took place today at the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson’s Office in the Gulshan area of the city, commemorating the 81st birthday of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the program was organized after Asr prayers, with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman participating virtually as the chief guest. Special prayers were offered for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the BNP family. The doa was administered by Ulama Dal Convener Kazi Md Selim Reza.
The event, conducted by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, saw the attendance of several standing committee members, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and others, along with central leaders and representatives from various wings of the BNP.
Begum Khaleda Zia, an influential figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, was born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur. She is the daughter of Iskander Majumdar and Tayyaba Majumdar. Her political journey began after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, leading her to join the BNP in 1982 and subsequently become its chairperson in 1984.
Her tenure as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh began in 1991, following the restoration of parliamentary democracy. She served three terms and became the first woman to chair the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1993. Despite facing political and personal challenges, including imprisonment, Begum Zia’s legacy in Bangladeshi politics remains significant.
The BNP has long accused the former Awami League government of targeting party members for marking Begum Zia’s birthday, which coincides with the assassination anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Despite controversies, the BNP continues to observe Khaleda Zia’s birthday with quiet ceremonies focused on prayers and party solidarity.
Begum Zia’s health has been a concern, as she suffers from multiple chronic conditions. Her journey for medical treatment abroad, facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, highlighted her ongoing health struggles. Despite these challenges, Begum Zia remains a pivotal figure in Bangladeshi politics, with her birthday observances symbolizing resilience and unity within the BNP.