Three-time Prime Minister and five-time MP Khaleda Zia, daughter of Feni, was known for personally interacting with villagers at her ancestral home in South Sripur, Fulgazi, despite tight security during her tenure. Locals recalled that she would remove security barriers to speak directly with people about local issues and development projects.

Mohammad Jamal Uddin Khondakar, former imam of the local mosque and founder of Iskandaria Madrasa, said, “She would call villagers closer, speak to each person individually, and inquire about their well-being and local affairs.”

Neighbor Monara Akter added, “We could only peek from a distance, but she would have security step aside to talk with us face-to-face.” Ismail Bhuiya Tipu, joint convener of Fulgazi Upazila Jubo Dal, recalled being called forward by her during a visit and talking for 40 minutes, a memory he described as priceless.

Local and family sources said Khaleda Zia had also visited her father’s grave in 2008 before starting election campaigning from Fulgazi. Her ancestral residence houses a mosque, madrasa, school, and college for public use.

Her cousin Shamim Hossain Majumdar said, “She respected elders and cared deeply for children. Her death is an irreparable loss for the nation.”

Khaleda Zia, born Khaleda Khanum Putul on Aug 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, served as Prime Minister after being elected five times as MP from Feni-1 constituency.