Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a civic condolence meeting in Khulna today said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was a beacon of democracy in Bangladesh, whose ideals and path would never fade from history.

Speaking in emotional tones, they said the light of that beacon may have gone out, but the course she charted would continue to guide the nation. 

History, they added, would remember her as an uncompromising leader, a symbol of indomitable courage, sacrifice and an unwavering defender of people’s rights.

The speakers recalled that Khaleda Zia’s journey from a housewife to a stateswoman was a rare and remarkable chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. She did not enter politics for personal power, they said, but answered the harsh call of history that placed the mantle of leadership upon her shoulders.

The civic condolence meeting was organized by the Khulna city unit of  BNP at Shaheed Hadis Park in the city today, in memory of the three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson.

Addressing the meeting, BNP National Executive Committee Information Secretary and Khulna-4 constituency candidate Azizul Bari Helal said autocratic repression, imprisonment, blockades, cases and attacks had failed to force Khaleda Zia to bow.
 
“She knew that power is temporary, but the people’s right to vote and their fundamental rights are eternal,” he said.

Despite serving three terms as prime minister, she never pursued politics of vengeance, he said, noting that whether in government or in opposition, she always conducted herself with the dignity and resolve of a true statesperson.

Former lawmaker, ex-president of Khulna city BNP and Khulna-2 constituency candidate Nazrul Islam Manju said Khaleda Zia’s politics centred on voting rights, freedom of expression and justice. 

Upholding those ideals, he said, would be the truest tribute to her legacy.

The meeting, presided over by Khulna city BNP President and BNP National Executive Committee member Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. 

The condolence resolution was read out by city BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin.

Among others who spoke were former Khulna City Corporation mayor and BNP executive committee member Moniruzzaman Moni, Khulna district BNP convener Moniruzzaman Montu, DAB Khulna President Dr Rafiqul Haque Babul, Khulna Press Club convener Enamul Haque, Metropolitan Journalists Union Khulna President Rashidul Islam, along with leaders of BNP and its associate bodies and representatives of various professional and civic groups.
The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.