BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi says democracy will survive as BNP follows BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s ideals during wreath-laying at her grave. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said democracy will be upheld only by following the path shown by Begum Khaleda Zia. 

"Tarique Rahman will lead the country forward by holding onto the path shown by his mother," he said while taking to media after paying respects at the grave of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city. 

"The ideals, morality, and commitment that Begum Khaleda Zia gave to the people, the ideals she left behind, we will move forward following that path, following the path she showed. The Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal will move forward, the BNP will move forward, all its associated organizations will move forward, and the nationalist forces of this country will move forward," Rizvi said.

"Only by moving forward along the path she showed we can uphold democracy, we can protect the country's flag, we can protect independence and sovereignty. Therefore, we will move forward by following the example she set, enduring her own agony and oppression while keeping her flag flying high," he added.

Around 11:30 am, led by Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas, General Secretary Sultana Ahmed, and Senior General Secretary Helen Zerin Khan, party leaders and workers went to Begum Khaleda Zia's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and laid wreaths. Later, leaders and workers participated in a prayer seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of the leader.

Referring to the Awami League government's conviction of Khaleda Zia in politically motivated false cases, imprisoning her, subjecting her to torture, and denying proper medicare and providing incorrect medical treatment, Rizvi said, "There was an evil conspiracy within this to remove Begum Khaleda Zia from this world. But because of her unwavering resolve, her endurance, her courage, her firm conviction, she could not be moved from her soil in the face of any threat. It is a burning proof that she was the people's leader."

''We have lost her. We have lost this iron-willed and truly people-oriented leader of the masses," he said.