Prominent citizens of the nation have held three-time former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia in high regard, stating that in order to develop the nation, people must follow in her footsteps.
They said that even after the 2024 major uprising, Khaleda Zia, who faced severe repression and protracted political oppression, did not incite hatred. Rather, she advocated for solidarity, harnessing the power of youth, and constructing a knowledge-based nation. The public advised everyone to follow her example and move forward.
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 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; Distinguished Fellow of CPD Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya; senior editor Shafiq Rehman; writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmed; Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam; President of DPI Abdus Sattar Dulal; former diplomat Anwar Hashim; ICC Bangladesh Executive Member and CEO of Transcom Group Simeen Rahman; Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) S M A Faiz; writer and researcher Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul; economist Professor Mahbub Ullah; and former Chief Justice Syed JR Modassir Hossain.
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.
“She had said-not destruction, not revenge, not vengeance; we must build a peaceful society with love,” he said.
Modassir Hossain added that he firmly believed this statement was not merely a political narrative. In his judgment, she was a discerning and true stateswoman.
He urged the government to confer the highest state honor upon Begum Khaleda Zia.
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