BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo : File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS) – Frontline leaders of the July 2024 Mass Uprising today mourned the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as an uncompromising symbol of democratic struggle, national sovereignty and resistance to authoritarianism, whose political life helped shape generations of Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

A wave of condolence messages poured in from leaders who played key roles in last year’s July Mass Uprising, as the new generation of political leaders remembered Begum Khaleda Zia not only as a former prime minister but as a symbol of resilience, democratic struggle and unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereignty.

In a Facebook post, July uprising leader Hasnat Abdullah said Khaleda Zia had sacrificed everything in her struggle to establish democracy and resist “Indian hegemony,” yet never abandoned the people of Bangladesh.

He recalled how she lost her husband, her younger son in custody, and saw her elder son forced into exile, while enduring isolation and persecution. Despite this, he said, she repeatedly took to the streets in defence of democracy, confronting fascism and domination with unwavering resolve.

“Begum Zia will remain immortal as a symbol of uncompromising leadership and as a fearless fighter against domination,” Hasnat wrote, praying for her eternal peace.

Vice-President of Dhaka University Central Student’s Union (DUCSU) Abu Sadik Kayem described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of relentless struggle against fascism and hegemonic aggression, praying for her forgiveness and eternal rest.

Former adviser and July Uprising leader Mahfuj Alam echoed the same sentiment, calling her an enduring emblem of national independence and sovereignty, and praying for her elevated status in the hereafter.

Sarjis Alam, a key organiser of the July Uprising and NCP’s chief coordinator for the southern region, described Khaleda Zia as a “symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty,” and offered prayers seeking divine mercy and the highest place in heaven for her.

Former adviser and July Uprising leader Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan wrote that Bangladesh would remember Khaleda Zia as an uncompromising leader who stood firm against oppression.

Former NCP senior joint member secretary Tasnim Jara, in a Facebook post, said that Begum Khaleda Zia never stepped away from the cause of the country and its people even during the most difficult periods of politics. 

Acknowledging that differences of opinion may exist, she said Khaleda Zia’s patience, tolerance and steadfastness would remain a learning example for young politicians like them. She prayed for eternal peace for the departed leader and sought strength for her family to bear the irreparable loss.

Former Adviser, NCP Convener, July Uprising leader Nahid Islam said Khaleda Zia’s courageous leadership in anti-autocracy movements guided the people of Bangladesh in realising their democratic rights. He remembered Begum Khaleda Zia’s historic role in restoring parliamentary democracy and rebuilding a democratic environment after the 1990 mass uprising.

Nahid noted that despite repeated imprisonment and political turmoil, Khaleda Zia remained steadfast in her ideology, uncompromising on issues of people’s rights and national sovereignty. He said her contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic struggle would remain preserved in history and continue to inspire future generations.

“With her passing, a long and eventful chapter of Bangladesh’s political history has come to an end,” Nahid said, expressing deep condolences to her family and followers.

Central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Nusrat Tabassum, said Khaleda Zia’s death marked the end of an era in Bangladesh’s politics. 

She highlighted the extraordinary personal suffering Khaleda Zia endured as a woman in politics, losing her husband and son and facing relentless persecution, yet choosing to remain in Bangladesh out of love for the country’s democracy and sovereignty.

“Her deep commitment to democracy and national sovereignty continues to inspire us,” Nusrat said, also extending condolences to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and the bereaved family.

NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain said Khaleda Zia’s steel-strong leadership during prolonged authoritarian rule would remain immortal in history. He described her as the embodiment of uncompromising resistance, whose steadfastness helped guide the nation’s struggle against fascism when the people risked losing their way.

“She belonged to Bangladesh first and last,” Akhter said, offering prayers for her eternal peace.