Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organised a prayer and Milad Mahfil today to mark the 81th birth anniversary of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The prayer and Milad Mahfil was held after Zuhr prayers at the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
The event was attended by DU VC, Pro-VCs, Deans from various faculties, Sada Dal leaders and JCD leaders from DU branch.
Speaking at the event, recently retired JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said Khaleda Zia’s lifelong struggle for the country, particularly her uncompromising efforts for Bangladeshi nationalism and democracy, remains an inspiration for them.
“Today, we are able to speak freely here. For 17 long years, there was fascism in the country, and Begum Khaleda Zia taught us to continue our uncompromising struggle against that fascism,” he said.
He added, “Begum Khaleda Zia was very affectionate toward every leader and activist of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. She treated them like her own children. Even when any JCD leader or activist made mistakes, she viewed them with forgiveness. Although she might have been upset for a while, she continued to love everyone as her own children.”
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam said, “We have gathered here today for a person who fought for democracy in Bangladesh until the last day of her life. She endured imprisonment for establishing the rights of the people of Bangladesh and their right to vote. She was jailed in false cases and faced numerous lawsuits and attacks. But she never compromised. That person was Begum Khaleda Zia. We pray for the salvation of her soul and ask Allah to grant her the highest place in the hereafter.”
Professor Obaidul Islam said, “Our Bangladesh became free from fascism after 17 years. Madam witnessed the final day of the struggle against fascism. She saw Sheikh Hasina’s fall. The same Hasina who subjected her to torture, persecution and oppression, forcing her to endure inhumane treatment and imprisonment.”
He further said, “She had said that the people would judge the torture, oppression and persecution she had endured. The people have delivered that verdict. They showed that she had been ousted. Madam Khaleda Zia spent her final days in Bangladesh peacefully.”
The DU vice-chancellor said, “Bangladesh has suffered an irreparable loss with the passing of such a great woman. Nevertheless, her next generation, the current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to fulfil Madam’s commitments. We pray for his good health so that he can realise Madam’s dreams and rebuild Bangladesh in accordance with the 31-point reform proposal.”
He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman would be able to fulfil the commitments he had made and implement them from the day he takes office following the election.