Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Photo : Collected

BARISHAL, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS) - Barisal is engulfed in mourning following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former prime minister of Bangladesh. 

Upon hearing the news of her demise, a large gathering of BNP leaders and activists assembled in front of the party office in Barishal, overwhelmed by grief. Many were seen in tears, struggling to come to terms with the loss of the beloved leader.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late leader, party members gathered at the BNP office, where Quranic verses were recited in her memory. Black flags were raised at the office, and activists wore black badges to symbolize their sorrow. The mood was somber, and expressions of disbelief filled the air, as many leaders expressed their difficulty in accepting the loss of a leader who had dedicated her life to the struggle for democracy.

Local political figures, including BNP Chairperson's Advisor and former Member of Parliament for Barishal-5 constituency Advocate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, Metropolitan BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk, and Member Secretary Zia Uddin Sikder, all voiced their profound shock and grief over the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Leaders and activists from the district BNP and its affiliated organizations emphasized that the death of Begum Zia was not just a personal loss but a national tragedy. One local leader remarked, "The whole country has lost a great guardian today. This loss cannot be filled. She was an uncompromising leader who fought tirelessly for democracy."

As people in Barishal join the rest of the country in mourning, the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia remains a powerful symbol of resilience and commitment to the democratic ideals of Bangladesh.