BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu spoke at the Burichang Upazila BNP council in Cumilla today. Photo; BSS

CUMILLA, Aug 24, 2025 (BSS)- BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu has lauded Begum Khaleda Zia for her groundbreaking initiative in 1991, when she introduced stipends and free education for girls.
 
Speaking at the Burichang Upazila BNP council in Cumilla today, Bulu said, “Khaleda Zia once had stated the girls who are studying today will become mothers one day, and their children will be educated.” 

Bulu pointed out Khaleda Zia’s pivotal role in the social and cultural evolution of rural women, stating, “Her leadership in this regard is undeniable. She changed the cultural fabric of mothers and sisters in rural Bangladesh.”

He also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s significant contribution to the 1990 mass uprising, attributing its success to Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising leadership.
 
"Even after the uprising, the army chose not to take power, respecting the nation’s patriotic spirit,” he noted. 

In 1991, Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister following a widely accepted election.

Referring to the political history, Bulu mentioned that Ziaur Rahman’s decision to allow the reformation of the Awami League helped preserve its political existence in Bangladesh.

Bulu warned of challenges ahead for the BNP in the next election, citing internal and external pressures. 

He stressed that BNP would not bow to geopolitical forces and affirmed the party’s commitment to non-radical politics, saying those persons who do not respect the 1971 Liberation War and Ziaur Rahman’s leadership will have no place in Bangladesh's politics.

He also called for vigilance within the party, urging leaders to avoid actions that could tarnish BNP’s image, specifically regarding the legacies of President Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman.

BNP leaders Mustaq Mia, Udbatul Bari Abu and Ashiqur Mahmud Wasim also spoke, among others, in the event.