Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. File photo

DHAKA, Aug 14, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir today said former BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's uncompromising leadership has remained a constant source of inspiration throughout his political career.

In a Facebook statement marking the end of his tenure as JCD general secretary, Nasir expressed profound gratitude to Begum Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for their trust, guidance and direction during periods of severe political and humanitarian crises.

"Today marks the final day of my tenure as the general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal," he said, describing Khaleda Zia's firmness, sacrifice and commitment to democracy as the driving force behind the struggles he and his fellow activists undertook.

Recalling the beginning of his political journey during the 1/11 political crisis, Nasir said he entered JCD politics after enrolling at Dhaka University, having come from Subarnachar in Noakhali, and gradually rose through the ranks to serve in the organization's central executive committee.

"From that difficult era to standing today in a transformed Bangladesh after 17 years of immense uncertainty, the path was not easy," he said, adding that his political journey had been marked by struggle, sacrifice, persecution, enforced disappearances and killings.

Nasir paid tribute to leaders and activists who suffered during the period, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for the organization's present political position.

Reflecting on his tenure since taking charge on March 1, 2024, he highlighted JCD's role in the July uprising and praised activists at universities, colleges and municipal units who took to the streets at great personal risk.

He also thanked youth and student coordinators who worked alongside JCD during the movement, saying their collective efforts during the crisis would carry immense historical significance.

Recalling the devastating floods in the Noakhali-Feni region following the uprising, Nasir said the party's top leadership directed the student organization to prioritize humanitarian service. He said Khaleda Zia personally instructed him to rush to the flood-hit areas, while Tarique Rahman subsequently followed up on the directive.

"That direction from 'Deshnetri' was not merely a leader's order; it was a mother's call to stand beside helpless people in distress," Nasir said, recalling how JCD leaders promptly went to the affected areas to coordinate relief operations.

"We realized then that politics is not just about rallies and meetings-standing beside people in their dark hours is the true identity of politics," he added.

On the challenges following the mass uprising, Nasir said JCD had to navigate mob culture, online propaganda and political pressure. Despite these challenges, he said the organization formed more than 2,000 unit committees across the country to strengthen its organizational structure.

He acknowledged shortcomings, including the failure to complete the expanded central committee and disappointing performances in student union elections, describing these as important lessons for the organization's future.

Nasir expressed gratitude to former BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, media professionals, his family members and JCD activists for their support.

"Today I step down from a post, but not from the organization, the struggle, or its ideals," he said, reaffirming his commitment to the party's principles and expressing confidence in the incoming leadership.

He also pledged to remain ready to respond whenever called upon to strengthen the movement for democracy.