BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia -File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) – BNP’s policy making Standing Committee Member Professor Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain today paid rich tributes to deceased party Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia praying at her grave.

“With the loss of Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia, the people of the country have lost a guardian,” he said after paying tribute and offering prayers at her grave alongside her husband and party’s founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan.

Hossain added: “Today, the people of Bangladesh are deeply feeling her absence."

He said the three-time premier Begum Zia was a symbol of uncompromising leadership recalling that the 2007-2008 military-backed regime asked her to leave the country but she firmly declined to comply with the directive saying she would not go anywhere leaving her homeland.

“She repeatedly expressed her resolve to always stand by the people of the country. Bergum Zia’s contributions to this country are immeasurable,” he said.

The elderly party leader said the people would remember with respect her love for the people, her role in the country's development, and service to the masses.

"After the death of the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, many said that the BNP would not survive without him. But Begum Khaleda Zia kept the party well-organized through her capable leadership,” he said adding her leadership brought BNBP thrice to power when her governments served the nation.

Hossain also praised Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia’s eldest son and BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership saying the history would make room for him as well for his vision and service.