An ocean of people today bid their last farewell to revered leader, BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia with tearful eyes and heavy hearts. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member and former ambassador Nazrul Islam Khan today said the level of popularity enjoyed by former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was not only unparalleled in Bangladesh but also rare in global politics.

Speaking while briefing Khaleda Zia's life and political journey just before her namaj-e-janaza, Nazrul Islam Khan said tens of lakhs of people gathered in solemn silence to bid farewell, reflecting an extraordinary bond between the leader and the masses.

"An example of popularity like hers is not found only in Bangladesh; it is rare even in world politics," he said, noting that despite repression, persecution and continuous political hostility, Khaleda Zia retained the people's love, trust and confidence.

He recalled that Khaleda Zia was elected prime minister three times through direct votes of the people and emerged victorious in every national election she contested, despite facing multiple rivals. "This clearly proves the depth of public faith in her leadership," he said.

Nazrul Islam Khan said that whether in power or outside it, Khaleda Zia always stood by the people and never deviated from her principles. "She remained uncompromising on national interests and the rights of citizens, and never bowed to any domestic or foreign pressure," he added.

Highlighting her political legacy, he said Khaleda Zia played a historic role in leading the movement against autocratic rule, which eventually restored democracy in Bangladesh. Through the free and fair election of 1991, she helped give democracy an institutional foundation.

"Because of her steadfast commitment to democratic values, democracy-loving people at home and abroad honoured her as the 'Mother of Democracy'," he said.

Nazrul Islam Khan also noted that Khaleda Zia made history as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second female prime minister in the Muslim world, becoming a powerful symbol of women's empowerment. During her tenure, she undertook landmark initiatives including stipend programmes for girls' education, food-for-education schemes, and the establishment of separate ministries for the welfare of freedom fighters and expatriates.

He said her popularity and organisational strength, however, made her a constant target of political persecution. "Out of jealousy and fear, her opponents filed false cases against her, imprisoned her and even denied her proper medical treatment," he said, adding that she never compromised on democracy or voting rights despite the hardships.

After 2018, he said, prolonged imprisonment and confinement without adequate medical care severely affected her health, and medical experts later agreed that timely treatment could have prolonged her life. "Still, she endured every suffering with courage, strength and determination," he added.

"Though Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer physically among us, her leadership, courage, sacrifice and popularity will remain immortal," Nazrul Islam Khan said, adding that her life and work would continue to inspire future generations.

He said the BNP, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, would continue to carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals and political philosophy in its journey toward democracy, peace, development and the welfare of the people.

Begum Khaleda Zia's life, he said, was not merely a story of power and politics, but one of resilience, dignity and an enduring bond with the people that will live on beyond her lifetime.