Khaleda Zia a 'Unique Statesman': Speaker

 
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Friday said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia worked tirelessly and made sacrifices to strengthen democracy and safeguard the rights of the people.

He made the remarks at the unveiling ceremony of an annual calendar titled "Desnetri", published by Chobir Golpo in memory of Khaleda Zia, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.

"Khaleda Zia would remain a unique and timeless example of a successful statesman," the Speaker said, adding that she remained an important figure in Bangladesh's political history and his own political inspiration.

He said the outpouring of grief following her death reflected her acceptance among the people, describing it as evidence that she was a "leader of the masses."

The Speaker also referred to the country's independence, saying that if former President Ziaur Rahman had not declared independence on March 26, 1971, it remained uncertain whether Bangladesh would have come into being.

He added that people joined the Liberation War under Ziaur Rahman's leadership and achieved victory, further claiming that Khaleda Zia had inspired him in making the declaration.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni said Khaleda Zia had introduced the caretaker government system to strengthen democratic practices in the country.

He also made broader political remarks, saying many people had returned to Bangladesh over time but members of the Zia family had not, and claimed that the country might not have existed without them. He further stated that current BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is "equivalent to Bangladesh."

The event was presided over by Atiqur Rahman Rumon, advisory editor of Chobir Golpo. Welcome speeches were delivered by Dr. Ahmed Mostofa Noman and coordinator Sadman Shakib.

Among others present were State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, Advocate Dipen Dewan, reserved seat MPs Arifa Sultana Ruma and Deepika Binte Hossain, and members of Chobir Golpo.

Keynote speakers included Khaleda Zia's special assistant and Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and Pabna-4 MP Habibur Rahman Habib.

The publication highlights 12 key phases of Khaleda Zia's life through photographs by Khaled Hossain Parag and writings by the Chobir Golpo team.

At the event, organisers also displayed a photograph titled "Tarique Rahman, the Life of Bangladesh" under the theme "Photo Story: Patriotism First", saying it was intended as a response to what they called "false propaganda" against him.