Khaleda Zia symbolised justice, democracy: Speakers at citizens’ condolence meeting

“Begum Khaleda Zia will be remembered by the people of the country forever. She fought for truth and justice throughout her life, remained uncompromising in establishing democracy, and carried patriotism in her heart,” said distinguished citizens while remembering the late BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

The speakers made the remarks at a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital on Friday, January 16, in the afternoon.

In this exceptional event, no representative of BNP or any member of Khaleda Zia’s family delivered a speech. The meeting was presided over by former chief justice Syed J R Modachchhir Hossain, while economist Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah was the chief organiser. The condolence citation was read out at the beginning by Saleh Uddin, coordinator of the citizens’ condolence meeting.

The meeting, which began at 3:00 pm, was attended by politicians, diplomats from various countries, writers, researchers, representatives of religious and hill communities, doctors, teachers, and top leaders of various professional organisations.

Representing Khaleda Zia’s family, BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and Shamila Rahman, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, were present.

What the speakers said
Interim government law adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said the verdicts given against Khaleda Zia were bizarre and disgraceful. With the passage of time, one leader has earned a place in people’s hearts, while another has been banished to history. As long as Bangladesh exists, Khaleda Zia will have to be remembered.

Senior journalist Shafik Rehman said that in this time of national crisis, elections must be turned into a festival, and Khaleda Zia’s mourning must be transformed into strength.

Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmed said Khaleda Zia’s greatest identity was that she was the first prime minister of Bangladesh to be elected through a neutral process.

Daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman said that even while out of power, Khaleda Zia received historic public love at her final farewell because she never bowed her head.

The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democracy deserves respectful remembrance. Even after enduring repression, her final message was not destruction, but a call to build a society based on love and knowledge for the future.

Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah said Khaleda Zia’s sacrifice and dedication would remain eternally memorable in the country’s history. He recalled her saying that Bangladesh may have friends abroad, but no masters, as the country itself was her only home.

In his closing remarks, former chief justice Syed J R Modachchhir said Khaleda Zia was not merely a politician, but a political ideal, and demanded that the state confer upon her the highest honorary title.

Tarique Rahman did not speak
Although present with family members, BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman did not deliver any speech. Similarly, no BNP leader spoke at the meeting.

Several top BNP leaders and leaders of allied parties from the simultaneous movement were present at the condolence meeting. However, no leaders from Jamaat, NCP, or other dissenting groups were seen. Representing the government, chief adviser’s special assistant Professor Ali Riaz, Monir Haider, and other senior officials were present.