BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as an icon of Bangladesh’s democracy, saying she remained the people’s ultimate source of trust throughout her life.

“People loved Khaleda Zia wholeheartedly. She was a place of reliance for the nation,” Fakhrul said, becoming visibly emotional while speaking at a doa and memorial programme organised in her honour.

The programme was arranged by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh), with 18 business organisations jointly paying tributes to the late BNP chairperson.

Speaking at the event, Fakhrul said it was extremely difficult for them to speak at a mourning programme for Khaleda Zia. “She fought for democracy all her life. She is the icon of Bangladesh’s democracy”.

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The BNP leader said the massive turnout at Khaleda Zia’s funeral reflected the love of ordinary people for her. “These were all general people. BNP did not organise or bring them to the janaza.”

Referring to the period under the previous Awami League regime, the BNP leader said the party’s leaders and activists had gone through the most difficult days. “Thousands of leaders and activists were killed, 1,700 were forcibly disappeared and cases were filed against six million BNP leaders and activists.”

Fakhrul also claimed that 47 cases were filed against Khaleda Zia, all of which he described as false. “The case in which she was sentenced to 10 years was not even a case by any standard. The judicial system was destroyed to send Khaleda Zia to jail.”

He alleged that Khaleda Zia was kept in an abandoned room without proper treatment for two consecutive years. “She went to jail healthy and came back on a wheelchair. And then she passed away,” Fakhrul said with regret.

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The BNP secretary general recalled Khaleda Zia’s message following the fall of the Awami League government after the July mass uprising on August 5, 2024, saying it showed the nation a new direction.

“She (Khaleda) was critically ill at the time. We went to her that night and informed her that the situation was out of control and law and order had collapsed,” Fakhrul said.

“Through her message, she urged the nation to move away from politics of vengeance and revenge, and instead embrace peace and unity. For a new Bangladesh, that message was a major guideline,” the BNP leader added.

Fakhrul said it was remarkable that someone who had been a lifelong victim of political vendetta delivered a message of peace. “There is no comparison with Khaleda Zia. She cannot be compared with anyone”.

BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Abdul Moyeen Khan were present at the programme. Presidents, secretaries and senior leaders of the 18 business bodies also attended it.

Later, prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.