Khaleda Zia brightest star: Minu

Rajshahi correspondent: BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s former adviser and BNP-nominated sheaf of paddy candidate for the Rajshahi Sadar constituency, Mizanur Rahman Minu, said three-time former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia was a shining star of the country.

He said many stars appear and fade in the sky, but Begum Zia will remain a shining star among the people throughout her life.

Minu made the remarks around 11:00 am on Wednesday at an event held at a community centre near Shaheb Bazar in Rajshahi.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and doa mahfil organised by Rajshahi district BNP and its affiliated and associate bodies seeking forgiveness for Begum Zia’s soul, he said BNP founder chairman and martyred president Ziaur Rahman came, triumphed and then departed, leaving people adrift in a sea of grief. Though he is gone, he lives forever in the hearts of people at home and abroad. In the same way, Begum Zia will live on as a shining star in everyone’s hearts.

Referring to Begum Zia as his mother, Minu said she had given him a great deal. He served in various positions in Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and BNP and was also the youngest mayor at the time. Begum Zia never called him Mizanur Rahman Minu, only Mizan. Just as a sculptor shapes a clay idol and presents it before all, Begum Zia shaped him in the same way. He said Begum Zia was the living symbol of the people and led the anti-autocracy movement against killer Hasina uncompromisingly. Her honesty and patriotism were recognised worldwide, making her widely acceptable.

Minu said during her lifetime her name stood alongside the world’s most influential figures. Out of love for the country’s soil, she said she had no land or property at home or abroad, adding that the people of the country were her true wealth. Her words have been etched into the hearts of people worldwide. He said 180 million people were left in tears when she passed away on December 30 and people around the world are mourning her.

He added that BNP workers in Rajshahi are united and complementary to one another, standing fearlessly before bullets against autocracy and will continue to do so. He expressed hope that, as before, BNP candidates would win all 39 seats in the Rajshahi division.

Minu said although Begum Zia has passed away, she will watch over the party she left behind and BNP will continue to uphold its flag, moving forward alongside Tarique Rahman. Addressing youths, he said BNP is there for them and that Tarique Rahman is following the path shown by Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia. He noted that Begum Zia never spoke of “I” or “mine” but always said “ours” and worked collectively. He concluded by seeking forgiveness for her soul.

Other parliamentary candidates present also spoke about Begum Zia’s eventful life and pledged to work for the party throughout their lives.

The event was chaired by BNP national executive committee member, Rajshahi district BNP convener and BNP-nominated sheaf of paddy candidate for the Bagha-Charghat constituency, Abu Sayeed Chand. Special guests included Begum Zia’s former adviser and BNP-nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1 Tanore-Godagari, former major general Sharif Uddin, BNP national executive committee forest and environment affairs secretary, former Rajshahi city BNP president and former RASIK mayor Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, BNP Rajshahi divisional organising secretary Advocate Syed Shahin Shawkat, BNP relief and rehabilitation affairs assistant secretary and former Rajshahi city BNP general secretary and BNP-nominated candidate for Paba-Mohanpur Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, BNP national executive committee member and Rajshahi district BNP senior joint convener Saiful Islam Marshal and BNP national executive committee member and Rajshahi district BNP member Debashish Roy Madhu.