Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader Bangladesh has ever seen.

“If we make an assessment up to this moment, Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader in Bangladesh. Today, the entire nation is united, without any question, in mourning her and paying respect,” he told reporters.

Taher made the remarks around 7:45pm in front of the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, after signing the condolence book opened there in memory of Khaleda Zia.

He said Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader in the struggle to establish people’s rights. “She proved this through every step of her political life. She was very patriotic and never compromised on national interests, even under pressure from powerful neighbours. Because of this, she often became a victim of political persecution,” he said.

The Jamaat leader also said during her illness, people from all political backgrounds prayed anxiously for her recovery and stood united. “That itself shows how widely she was loved and respected,” he said.

“Khaleda Zia died with the highest honour and love from the people. She was successful in her political life. The nation should now fulfil its responsibilities by following her patriotism and dedication to the country,” Taher said.

Khaleda Zia passed away around 6:00 am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after receiving treatment for more than a month.