Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged everyone to pray for his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, he expressed his gratitude in a Facebook post for the support his family has received. He stated, “I ask you all to pray for my mother. For the profound emotion, love, and respect shown by the people of this country and by the world, my family and I remain eternally grateful.”
Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, passed away at 6:00 am today at Evercare Hospital in the capital at the age of 80. She had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 on the advice of her medical board.
Tarique Rahman shared, “My mother Begum Khaleda Zia has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.” He described her as a leader of the nation, known for her unwavering leadership and dedication to democracy.
Highlighting her lifelong struggle, he noted her firm stance against autocracy and her leadership in movements for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh. He paid homage to her resilience, which he described as silent yet unbreakable despite enduring arrests and persecution.
The statement also highlighted her personal sacrifices, mentioning the loss of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, for the country’s sake. Tarique Rahman emphasized that her legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance will continue to inspire the democratic spirit of Bangladesh.