The country's leading businessmen and industrialists on Monday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, also BNP Chairperson, recalling her contributions to Bangladesh's economic growth and democratic institutions during her tenures from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.
Speaking at a memorial and Dua Mahfil at Hotel Intercontinental, the business community highlighted her role in steering the nation from economic stagnation to a private sector-led growth model. Khaleda Zia's tenure was marked by landmark reforms including the VAT Act, the Bank and Financial Institutions Act, and the establishment of the Privatization Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, which strengthened revenue mobilization, the financial sector, and the capital market.
ICC Bangladesh, FBCCI, DCCI, MCCI, CCCI, FICCI, BCI, BAB, BIA, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, LFMEAB, BAPI, BAPLC, BSIA, BCMA, and the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh jointly organised the programme. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee Member Moyeen Khan and Amir Khasru Mahmud attended the doa mahfil.
Mirza Fakhrul recalled the challenges faced by Khaleda Zia, noting that around 6,000 party activists disappeared, six million faced cases, and 47 cases were filed against her. "Even today, we are accused of burning buses, but Begum Zia was accused of burning trucks. This culture was created during the last regime, and she fought against it," he said.
He also referenced her legal battles, saying a lower court sentenced her to five years, later increased to 10 years by the High Court, reflecting the judiciary's condition at the time. "She was an icon. Even now, thousands are still praying at her grave," he added.
BNP Standing Committee member Amit Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Begum Zia inspired bravery, leading the party through protests and resistance against dictatorial regimes. "She risked her own life to bring democracy, carrying the torch from Shaheed Zia. The next responsibility now lies with Tarique Rahman," he said.
Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, another committee member, noted that BNP was in deep trouble in 1982, and senior leaders' decision to bring Khaleda Zia into politics was pivotal. "Shaheed Zia started democracy, and Begum Zia continued it," he said.
ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman described Khaleda Zia as a defining figure in Bangladesh's political history who helped shape democratic institutions and advocated for governance at a time of national uncertainty. He recalled her entry into politics after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, and her emergence as a central figure in restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991.
During her second term, Khaleda Zia oversaw major foreign investments, including the USD 500 million KAFCO fertiliser project with partners from Japan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Business leaders noted her reforms laid the foundation for export-oriented industries, particularly the ready-made garments sector, and strengthened regional trade through SAFTA.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem recalled the garment sector's growth in the 1990s while BGMEA Senior VP Inamul Haq Khan highlighted her industry-friendly policies, VAT reforms, agricultural reforms, and emphasis on women's education.
FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said the Zia family contributed to democracy and economic development.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed noted her belief in democracy, accountability, and institutional strength instilled confidence in the business community.
MCCI President Kamran T Rahman cited her role in RMG growth, remittances, and export expansion.
CCCI Administrator Muhammad Nurullah Noori, FICCI representative Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), and BAB Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker praised her dedication to democracy, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.
BAPLC VP Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed and BAPI President Abdul Muktadir highlighted her efforts in strengthening parliament, institutions, and liberalising sectors.
BSIA President M A Jabbar noted cross-party respect at her funeral, and BCMA President Mohammed Amirul Haque mentioned the establishment of the World Trade Centre in Chattogram and the city's recognition as the commercial capital.
ICC Vice Presidents Naser Ezaz Bijoy and A K Azad said the massive turnout at her funeral demonstrated national respect beyond political differences.
The programme concluded with prayers seeking salvation of her departed soul.
