A civic condolence meeting was held in the capital on Friday to commemorate the late BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Deliberately kept free of partisan political speeches, the event brought together prominent figures from politics, diplomacy, journalism, economics, education and civil society.
The meeting took place in the afternoon at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where speakers reflected on various aspects of Khaleda Zia’s political role, her contributions to democracy and her personal resilience.
No representatives of the BNP or members of Khaleda Zia’s family addressed the gathering. The program was chaired by former chief justice Syed JR Modassir Hosain, while eminent Economist Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah served as the chief organizer. The condolence citation was read at the outset by Salehuddin, coordinator of the civic condolence committee.
Beginning at 3pm, the meeting was attended not only by politicians but also by diplomats from various countries, as well as writers, researchers, representatives of religious and hill communities, physicians, teachers and leaders of different professional bodies.
Among Khaleda Zia’s family members present were BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and Shamila Rahman, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Koko. Although present, Tarique Rahman did not deliver any speech.
Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, were also in attendance, alongside several senior leaders of parties allied in the joint movement. Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP leaders were not seen at the event, although it could not be confirmed whether they had been invited. Representing the government, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Prof Ali Riaz and several senior officials attended the program.
The program formally began shortly after 2:30pm with recitation from the Holy Quran. A condolence message was then read by Salehuddin, executive editor of The Daily Ittefaq. This was followed by speeches from writer Faham Abdus Salam; Basudeb Dhar, president of Puja Udjapan Parishad; Khaleda Zia’s physician FM Siddiqi; Debashish Roy, special assistant to the chief adviser of the former caretaker government; Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman; ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman; CPD Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya; veteran journalist Shafik Rehman; writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad; The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam; DPI President Abdus Sattar Dulal; former diplomat Anwar Hashim; ICC Bangladesh executive member Simeen Rahman; University Grants Commission Chairman Prof SMA Faiz; writer and researcher Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul; economist Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah; and former chief justice Syed JR Modassir Hosain.
The program concluded around 5:30pm with prayers for the departed leader.
New Age editor Nurul Kabir said Khaleda Zia’s refinement and restraint had always impressed him. “At a time when decency and moderation were largely absent from political culture, I observed that despite repeated attacks and hardships faced by her and her family, she never publicly expressed personal pain, anger or condemnation,” he said.
Law adviser Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said Khaleda Zia possessed many extraordinary qualities. “She was honest, tolerant of differing opinions and resolute. Her spirit of sacrifice was unparalleled. She embodied patriotism and an unforgettable sense of refinement,” he said.
He added: “Today, it feels good that we can freely express our love for Begum Zia. Thanks be to Allah, and gratitude to the participants of the July mass uprising, people in Bangladesh can now freely express both love and hatred. That is why one leader has found a place in people’s hearts, while another has been relegated to exile.”
Veteran journalist Shafik Rehman said the country was at a critical juncture. “The February 12 election must be held as a genuine election under any circumstances. People must go to polling centres in a festive manner. Law enforcement agencies must be firm to ensure the electoral environment is not disrupted. Khaleda Zia’s grief must be transformed into strength,” he said.
Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmed said Khaleda Zia’s political life should be viewed from three perspectives: her uncompromising rise during a difficult period, her tenure in government with both successes and failures, and her role in political movements since 2007. “Her greatest distinction is that she was the first prime minister to be elected through a neutral electoral system,” he said.
Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah said Khaleda Zia would be remembered forever for her immense sacrifice and dedication to the country. “She loved the people, the trees, the vines and the waters of this land. She used to say that Bangladesh has friends abroad, not masters. She had no address outside the country. Though Begum Zia has passed away, may her ideals remain eternal,” he said, offering prayers for her salvation.
The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democracy deserved respectful remembrance, noting that she had encouraged independent journalism.
In his concluding remarks, former chief justice Syed JR Modassir Hosain said: “Khaleda Zia represents a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. She was not an ordinary politician; she was a political ideal. She believed not in destruction but in the establishment of justice. In my view, she was a prudent and wise leader.”
