'Khaleda Zia symbolised democratic struggle, public trust'

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as a defining figure of Bangladesh’s democratic movement and a lifelong source of trust for the people.

Speaking emotionally at a doa and memorial programme held in her honour, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia was deeply loved by ordinary citizens and remained a point of reliance for the nation throughout her political life. The event was organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh, with 18 business organisations jointly paying tribute to the late leader.

Addressing the gathering, Fakhrul said it was difficult to speak at a mourning programme for someone who dedicated her entire life to the struggle for democracy. He described Khaleda Zia as an enduring symbol of democratic resistance in Bangladesh.

He said the large turnout at her funeral demonstrated the spontaneous affection of the public, stressing that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had not mobilised people to attend the janaza. According to him, the mourners were ordinary citizens who came on their own to pay their final respects.

Reflecting on the period under the previous Awami League government, Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured severe repression. He claimed that thousands were killed, around 1,700 people were forcibly disappeared and millions of party members were named in cases during that time.

The BNP secretary general also alleged that Khaleda Zia herself was subjected to politically motivated legal harassment, claiming that dozens of cases were filed against her, all of which he described as baseless. He said the judicial process was undermined to imprison her and alleged that she was denied proper medical treatment during her incarceration.

Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia entered prison in good health but returned seriously ill, eventually confined to a wheelchair. He expressed regret that her health deteriorated significantly during that period before her death.

Recalling events following the fall of the Awami League government after the July mass uprising on August 5, 2024, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia’s message to the nation provided a new sense of direction at a critical moment. Despite being critically ill, she urged political forces to abandon vengeance and embrace peace and unity, he said.

Fakhrul noted that the call for reconciliation was particularly significant coming from someone who had been a victim of political persecution for much of her life. He said Khaleda Zia’s leadership and moral stance set her apart, adding that she could not be compared with any other political figure.

BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Abdul Moyeen Khan were present at the programme, along with presidents, secretaries and senior representatives of the participating business organisations. The event concluded with prayers seeking eternal peace for Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.