Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said Begum Khaleda Zia emerged as Bangladesh’s most popular leader despite repeated attempts to destroy her politically and take her life.

“Despite all attempts to destroy this leader and take her life, she overcame everything and emerged as the most popular leader in Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh gave her that recognition both before and after her death. She left us with that recognition. That is the greatest source of happiness for us,” he said.

Khaleda Zia never compromised on principles despite risks to life: Moyeen Khan

Khosru made the remarks while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil organised by the BNP at its central office in Nayapaltan in Dhaka on Saturday morning to mark Khaleda Zia’s 82nd birth anniversary.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the programme as the chief guest.

BNP Standing Committee member Khosru said the day was significant not only for Bangladesh’s politics but also for the fate of ordinary people, as Khaleda Zia had played a landmark role in advancing people’s hopes and aspirations, the country’s independence and sovereignty, improving the living standards of men, women and children, and ensuring people’s political and democratic rights.

“Political history has moments when those who can survive, withstand difficult times, bear pressure and remain standing despite persecution and oppression become the true leaders in the hearts of the people,” he said.

He said Khaleda Zia became known as an “uncompromising leader” because of her ability to withstand immense pressure.

“It is because of her uncompromising leadership that Bangladesh stands where it is today,” Khosru said.

He said many political figures and groups had eventually yielded to pressure, while Khaleda Zia remained firm.

“Many broke under that pressure. Many surrendered after facing such pressure. Many political parties, I don't need to name them, you understand. But one person never bowed to any pressure,” he said.

He said some people even surrendered while in prison and came out after yielding to pressure.

“We saw it before our own eyes. But one person did not surrender,” he said.

According to Khosru, Khaleda Zia’s steadfastness enabled BNP leaders and activists to remain united and continue their political struggle.

“Because she did not surrender, we were able to stand firm under her leadership. If she had not been there, we could not have stood where we are today,” he said.

He said Khaleda Zia’s strong and uncompromising position had embodied the democratic aspirations of the people and contributed enormously to the country’s prolonged political movements and struggles.

“She is Begum Khaleda Zia,” he said.

He said the recognition Khaleda Zia received was also recognition for Bangladesh Nationalism and for those who sacrificed their lives during the political movements led by her.

“We who took part in the movement under her leadership must keep that in mind. Her recognition is recognition of Bangladesh Nationalism. It is recognition of those who sacrificed themselves in that movement,” he said.

Khosru cautioned BNP leaders and activists against assuming that political challenges were over simply because the party had come to power.

“We have to keep this in mind and carry it forward. We cannot forget it. There is no reason to think that because the party is now in power, life has become easy,” he said.

He urged party leaders to carry forward Khaleda Zia’s legacy and work together to implement the programmes of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for political stability and improving the lives of the people.

The BNP organised the milad and doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan central office as part of its programmes marking Khaleda Zia’s birth anniversary. Party leaders and activists prayed for the forgiveness of her soul.

BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP Vice-President Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Vice-Chairman and Liberation War Affairs Minister Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, among others, attended the programme.