BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would lead the country forward and uphold democracy by following the path shown by his mother Begum Khaleda Zia.
“Khaleda Zia left behind ideals, moral values and commitments to the people that represent the highest standard of political ethics. We will move ahead by following the very path she showed us,” he said.
Talking to reporters after offering fateha at Khaleda Zia’s grave, Rizvi said the BNP, all its affiliated organisations, including Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal, and the country’s nationalist forces will continue to follow the direction set by their late chairperson.
“BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has taken up the flag she handed to him and will lead the country towards new possibilities and a new horizon by walking in the footsteps of his mother,” he said.
The BNP leader said Khaleda Zia endured severe suffering and repression but never allowed the flag of democracy to fall.
“That example will guide us as we move forward. She remains our source of inspiration. Only by following the path she showed can we uphold democracy, protect the national flag, safeguard our independence and preserve our sovereignty,” he said.
Rizvi said the BNP will continue its journey towards the goal for which Khaleda Zia fought tirelessly for nearly 45 to 46 years.
Earlier, at around 11:30am, Rizvi, along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal led by its President Afroza Abbas, General Secretary Sultana Ahmed and Senior General Secretary Helen Zerin Khan, visited Khaleda Zia’s grave at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
They placed a wreath at the grave and offered a munajat, praying for the eternal peace of the departed leader’s soul.
Referring to Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, Rizvi alleged that the Awami League government subjected her to oppression through false and vindictive cases, denied her proper medical care and even provided wrong treatment.
“There was a deliberate plot to remove her from this world. But her unwavering courage, patience and determination proved that no threat could separate her from her people and her soil,” he said.
Rizvi said the nation lost a leader who stood firmly for the people and democracy.
“The entire nation is in mourning. Tears are flowing across the country. The massive public turnout at her janaza in Dhaka was unprecedented,” he said.
The BNP leader said Allah honoured Khaleda Zia by granting her the status of a leader of the people, a champion of democracy and a symbol of human welfare.
He also despite facing vulgar and offensive attacks, Khaleda Zia always showed restraint, dignity and decency in both her words and actions.
“Those who resort to foul language are rejected by the people, while those who value courtesy, who face countless attacks and hear countless vile remarks yet never utter a single bad or offensive word are honoured by Allah,” Rizvi said.
He observed that since Thursday, people from all parts of the country have been visiting Khaleda’s grave to offer prayers and pay their respects.
Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 30 while undergoing treatment.
She was buried the following day beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan with full state honours.