Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar addressed a citizens' condolence meeting organised by the MUJ at the Khulna Press Club on Friday. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 3, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as the architect of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh and a symbol of liberal and inclusive leadership.

He made the remarks while addressing a citizens' condolence meeting organised by the Metropolitan Journalists' Union (MUJ) at the Liaquat Ali Auditorium of the Khulna Press Club on Friday.

Addressing the meeting as chief guest, Golam Parwar described Begum Khaleda Zia as a national leader who rose above party politics and played a historic role in steering the country from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.

"The nation will remain eternally indebted to her for initiating that democratic transition," he said.

He noted that the condolence meeting was not only an occasion to mourn her death, but also an opportunity to honour her political contributions and unwavering commitment to democratic values.

Other speakers recalled her leadership style, saying arrogance, authoritarianism and ostentation are often seen among those in power, but such traits were never evident in Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Whether in running the state or leading her party, she remained simple in lifestyle, modest in conduct and inclusive in her approach, they said.

The speakers also highlighted her contributions to the development of Khulna, noting that during her tenure as prime minister she personally paid attention to the region's problems. 

They mentioned her initiatives in education, infrastructure development, administrative decisions and public security, as well as her regular meetings with Khulna MPs to ensure budget allocations and implementation of development projects. For these efforts, they said, the people of Khulna continue to remember her with gratitude.

Expressing hope for the future, the speakers said Begum Khaleda Zia's ideals, democratic values and liberal leadership would continue to inspire future generations of politicians in building a humane, discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh.

The meeting was presided over by MUJ Khulna President Md Rashidul Islam, while former MUJ Acting General Secretary Abul Hasan Himalay delivered the welcome address.

The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran and concluded with a doa and munajat, conducted by MUJ Khulna Vice-President Md Nuruzzaman. The meeting was moderated by MUJ General Secretary Abdur Razzaq Rana and Assistant General Secretary Ashraful Islam Noor.

Among others, former MP and ex-president of Khulna Metropolitan BNP Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna Metropolitan BNP President SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, Khulna Metropolitan Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Mohammad Moniruzzaman Moni, BFUJ Assistant Secretary General Ehteshamul Haque Shawon, Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Professor Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, BNP Executive Committee member and former Chamber of Commerce president Saharuzzaman Mortoza, and leaders from various political, professional and journalists' organisations spoke at the event.

After the meeting, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.