BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed-File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2025 (BSS)- BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said that the void and sorrow created by the death of the party's chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will never be filled. 

“Deshnetri Begum Zia established herself as a global leader who sacrificed her life, children, and family for the sake of democracy,” he said while talking to media at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan this afternoon. 

Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer with us today, but she remains in the hearts of the people. She has earned the title 'Mother of Democracy'.” 

He added that Khaleda Zia was able to establish herself above all party lines and opinions as a leader of pro-democracy people worldwide.

Regarding the massive public turnout at her funeral, he commented, "After Ziaur Rahman, such a vast number of people and such love at Khaleda Zia's Janaza (funeral prayer)... people's expectations have greatly increased. We are anxious as to whether we can genuinely fulfill those expectations.”

Following Khaleda Zia’s death, he highlighted the legal aspect of her nomination in the upcoming election. Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “Since she is no longer physically present, her legal entity ceases to exist. Therefore, her nomination will automatically be declared void. Alternative candidates will be nominated, and if they pass the scrutiny process, they will be the candidates.”

He further added, “We want to transform her grief into strength. However, we are not so narrow-minded as to use this for partisan election work. We want to use her strength for nation-building, not for elections.”

When asked about the condition of the BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “He has lost his parents and only brother. He is now a trust in our care. He is a political figure, and he must possess a strong will; there is no alternative for him."

Salahuddin Ahmed stressed the need to keep the party united, concluding, “We must unite everyone within our limited means and lead the nation forward. This is our responsibility.”