Late BNP chief Khaleda Zia eventually became the leader of the country and the people, not a single party. This was one of the keynotes of the speakers at the civic funeral organized in memory of three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The funeral was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan on Friday afternoon. Tariq Rahman, the new chairman of BNP, participated in the mourning meeting along with the country’s top politicians, diplomats, businessmen, journalists, development workers, educationists and people of various classes and professions.
At 3 o’clock, the mourning session titled ‘Invincible Begum Khaleda Zia’ began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. After reading the condolence message on behalf of the civil society, the representatives of the civil society spoke one by one.
Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said, ‘Khaleda Zia respected independent journalism. This quality of his won my heart, and made a deep respect for him in my heart. …He could have easily said, I don’t want revenge… for what has been done against me. That generosity, that look to the future, I think is a wonderful quality.’
New Age editor Nurul Kabir said, ‘Khaleda Zia was not just a party leader; He truly became a leader of the people and the country, as evidenced by the attendance of lakhs of people, irrespective of party affiliation.’
Nurul Kabir also mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s sense of taste and modesty as a person and a political leader especially attracted him amid the apparent lack of decency and restraint in the political culture.
The situation became very critical until editor Shafiq Rehman said, ‘We want elections to be held on February 12. Dr. Yunus is guaranteeing that this election will be very happy.’
Comparing Khaleda Zia’s long-time rival Sheikh Hasina in the political field, Asif Nazrul, the legal adviser of the interim government, said, ‘One leader has a place in the hearts of the people, another in the outcast’s land.’
Amar Desh Patrika editor Mahmudur Rahman said, ‘Martyr President Ziaur Rahman and country leader Begum Khaleda Zia are only two leaders and women leaders in the history of 100 years who stayed at the peak of popularity throughout their lives.’
While remembering Khaleda Zia, Professor Mahbub Ullah urged to remember her three sayings. He said, ‘If Khaleda Zia’s three quotes or immortal words are not preserved, the country and her party will not be saved. One. We have friends outside the country, not the Lord. Two. In our hands is the flag of freedom, in their hands are the chains of the prisoner. Three. I have no address outside the country, the country is my last address.’
ICC Bangladesh Executive Member and Transcom Group CEO Simin Rahman said, ‘Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the development of business and economy in Bangladesh was far-reaching. Khaleda Zia’s market-oriented policies in the 1990s spurred the private sector, trade and investment.’
Writer and thinker Faham Abdus Salam said, ‘Khaleda Zia’s life is all about sacrifice. He has gone through unbearable torture while in jail.’
Former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment has been seriously and intentionally neglected, her personal chief physician Professor Dr. FM Siddique. He said, it is not mere negligence; Rather willful negligence, which is an unforgivable offence.’
Apart from BNP chairman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Shamila Rahman and family members also participated in the funeral. The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Professor Ali Riaz, Monir Haider, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan, Abdul Moin Khan, Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmad, AZM Zahid Hossain, Security Adviser to BNP Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi. Senior leaders including Akbar, adviser Mahdi Amin.
ICCB president Mahbubur Rahman, CPD special fellow Debpriya Bhattacharya, writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad, Puja Udyapan Parishad president Vasudev Dhar, former caretaker government’s chief adviser Debashish Roy, DPI president Abdus Sattar Dulal, former diplomat Anwar Hashim, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman SMA Faiz, former Chief Justice Syed JR Modachir Hossain, writer and researcher Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and others.
