United News of Bangladesh

Solaiman Chowdhury Shihab, joint convener of Islamic University's (IU) Chhatra Dal unit, has filed a penal case against Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Mufti Amir Hamza over alleged defamatory remarks. The complaint alleges that during a Waz Mahfil, Amir Hamza mocked the late Arafat Rahman Koko, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and made offensive comments about Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment. Shihab said he saw videos of the remarks on social media on January 16. The petition requests the court to issue a summons or arrest warrant under sections 500, 501, and 502 of the Penal Code. Advocate Abdul Majid, the petitioner’s lawyer, said the court has taken the case under consideration and scheduled a hearing for February 1. Pickup–Nasimon collision in Kushtia leaves one dead When contacted regarding the case, Mufti Amir Hamza’s personal assistant Abu Bakar said they have not yet received any notice from the court. “Once a notice is served, we will take appropriate legal action,” he added. Earlier, Amir Hamza had claimed on his verified Facebook page that he had received death threats. In the post, he urged followers to care for his three daughters in his absence and pledged to continue his fight for justice in Kushtia.

Dhaka, Jan 16 (UNB)— Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Friday said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was unjustly convicted in what he described as the most disgraceful and farcical trial in Bangladesh’s history, referring to the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Addressing a condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Asif Nazrul termed the Zia Orphanage Trust case against Khaleda Zia a “sham and disgraceful judgment” in the country’s judicial history. He recalled an incident from the trial, saying a defence lawyer had asked Khaleda Zia whether she had misappropriated orphan funds.  “Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this,” the law adviser said. Khaleda Zia’s grace, sense of dignity were truly admirable: Nurul Kabir Asif Nazrul noted that there was a time when hardly anyone dared to speak out in support of the BNP or against the injustice done to Khaleda Zia. While searching for statements protesting the unfair trial, he said, only four people at home and abroad could be persuaded to issue statements. “I am talking about a time when it was almost impossible to find people willing to stand by Khaleda Zia,” he added, noting that the situation has since changed. Asif Nazrul further said Khaleda Zia has found a permanent place in the hearts of the people, while ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been relegated to a place of rejection. Asif Nazrul remarked that Bangladesh would prosper only if the country is envisioned in the way Khaleda Zia had envisioned it. “Khaleda Zia is no more. Now the biggest concern is what Bangladesh will look like in the days ahead. If we want a better Bangladesh, we must uphold Khaleda Zia, follow her ideals and run the country in that spirit.” Thanking the fighters of the July uprising, the adviser said people in the country are now able to express their opinions freely, without obstruction in expressing either love or dissent. Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and his family members were present at the programme. Senior leaders, including members of the BNP Standing Committee, also attended the condolence meeting. Eminent citizens from the media, business community and various professional groups spoke at the event, recalling Khaleda Zia’s memories and paying tribute to her.

President of the Editors’ Council Nurul Kabir on Friday said former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia consistently stood out in Bangladesh’s political landscape for her grace, decency, restraint and strong sense of self-respect. “Khaleda Zia created a unique example in Bangladeshi politics through her refined conduct, decency, moderation, dignity and restraint, which always impressed me,” he said while addressing a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Reflecting on her centrist and democratic political approach, Nurul Kabir said that although he was never directly involved with BNP’s political strategies, he had always supported the party’s democratic ideals. Highlighting her restraint amid personal suffering, the veteran journalist said, “Despite the oppression, persecution and hardships she and her family endured, no one has ever heard her utter words of condemnation. Such restraint is undoubtedly rare.” Civic condolence over Khaleda’s passing on Friday Recalling an incident from the night of March 25, 1971, Nurul Kabir said that when Bengali officers were preparing to take up arms against Pakistani commanders, a Pakistani Subedar Major under then Major Ziaur Rahman attempted to break open an arms cache and open fire on Bengali officers. “It was Khaleda Zia who stopped him. She was an ordinary housewife at the time, yet her courage saved the lives of many Bengali officers that night.” He stressed that her bravery should not be underestimated, noting that without her courageous intervention in the early hours of the war, many Bengali officers might have lost their lives. “It could even have affected Ziaur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence on March 26.” Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Nurul Kabir urged them not to take any action that would dishonour Khaleda Zia’s ideals. “Do nothing that would make people say Khaleda Zia was fortunate to have passed away and not lived to witness such days.” He called upon BNP to continue its democratic journey and actively participate in building a beautiful and democratic Bangladesh.

Leaders of 18 leading business bodies on Monday paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, recalling her decisive role in strengthening democracy and steering Bangladesh towards economic progress. The remarks came from a memorial and doa mehfil titled ‘Memorial and Doa Mehfil for Late Begum Khaleda Zia’, organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh) at a city hotel in the afternoon. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for her departed soul. Speakers at the mehfil said Khaleda Zia’s leadership marked a turning point for the country, as Bangladesh not only safeguarded democratic values but also embarked on a sustained journey of economic advancement under her stewardship. CA’s condolence message on Khaleda’s death handed over to Tarique ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, speaking at the doa mehfil, said Khaleda Zia’s initiatives in democratic reform and poverty reduction were ‘unparalleled’, mentioning that her policies laid a strong foundation for private sector growth and national development. Referring to the USD 500 million KAFCO fertiliser project undertaken with Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands during BNP’s second term in office, he said the country’s GDP had strengthened significantly at the time, while Bangladesh made notable progress in attracting foreign investment. “Bangladesh reached a unique height in privatisation under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. Through this single initiative, the country’s name reached the global economy,” Mahbubur Rahman said. Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed said the new generation of business leaders wanted to move Bangladesh’s economy forward towards prosperity under the leadership of Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman. Business organisations are committed to cooperating with him, he added. Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) President Abdul Hai Sarker said Khaleda Zia’s most distinctive quality was that she spoke less and listened more. “She listened attentively to businesspeople and made decisions based on fairness and her own judgment.” Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem said the journey of prosperity in Bangladesh’s garment sector had begun under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. “She (Khaleda) thought about the country and its people throughout her life. I consider myself fortunate to have attended the janaza of former President Ziaur Rahman and, similarly, to have been able to attend Khaleda Zia’s janaza as well,” he added. Khaleda Zia a unique figure in Bangladesh’s democratic journey: Moyeen Khan Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) President Abdul Muktadir said the liberalisation that helped develop Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector was largely driven by BNP and Khaleda Zia. The mehfil began with a one-minute silence to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia and to mourn her death. From the BNP, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Abdul Moyeen Khan were present at the event. Leaders and top representatives of several other business bodies, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), Bangladesh Insurance Association (BIA), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC), Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association (BCMA) and the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) attended the programme.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said Bangladesh can advance by embracing the vision and principles of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. “Khaleda Zia stood by the people of the country, facing crises with immense patience and strong determination. Following the path she showed is the way for the country to move forward,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a condolence meeting and doa mahfil organised by Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) and Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ) in memory of BNP Chairperson and former three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul visits ailing Mostafa Jamal Haider at LabAid Describing the media as the fourth pillar of the state, Rizvi said no leader had a deeper ideological and personal relationship with the media than Khaleda Zia. He recalled that under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the foundations of multi-party democracy, freedom of expression and press freedom were firmly established in the country. The BNP leader said the press had faced varying degrees of control since the Pakistan era, but the suppression of newspapers during the BAKSAL period was unprecedented. Many families who depended on journalism or writing for their livelihood lost everything when all but four newspapers were shut down by the then Awami League regime. “Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom, and Khaleda later strengthened and expanded it further, building a deep and inseparable relationship with journalists and the newspaper industry,” he added. Recalling a personal memory, Rizvi said Khaleda attended a programme at the Jatiya Press Club soon after her release from prison in 2008, responding to journalists’ request without hesitation. Tarique to lead nation forward following Khaleda Zia’s path: Rizvi “We have seen her up close. Her personality was immense. The outpouring of grief, emotion and love following her passing shows how deeply she touched people’s lives. The massive crowd at her janaza was spontaneous. People from all walks of life came on their own out of love and respect,” he said. As soon as news of her death spread, Rizvi said ordinary people came out onto the streets of their own accord. “Government officials, clerks, street vendors, and people from all walks of life attended, drawn by their heartfelt respect.” He observed that many observers remarked no janaza since Imam Khomeini’s had seen such a huge turnout. “It felt as if the entire city of Dhaka was flowing with people. This was not mere formality—it was a true expression of love and respect from the people.” The BNP leader described Khaleda as a towering leader whose presence gave people a sense of protection and confidence. “With her passing, we have lost that sense of guardianship.” He said Khaleda always showed restraint and balance, even during difficult times such as the 1/11 political crisis. “She never responded to insults with insults, choosing dignity and silence instead.” Rizvi alleged that the Awami League government deliberately pushed Khaleda Zia towards death by denying her adequate medical treatment in prison. “The DGFI and NSI monitored her personal doctors and even issued threats,” he said. BNP leaders, activists offer prayers at Khaleda Zia’s grave after Jum'a prayers He also said it was precisely because of Khaleda Zia’s leadership that the Awami League was unable to destroy the BNP despite all their efforts. “Despite all adversities, she remained steadfast for the people of the country. The example she left behind is the path for Bangladesh’s progress.”

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.  

One of the iconic figures in Bangladesh’s political history, BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, known as an uncompromising leader, lifelong fighter and true patriot, passed away on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). She was 80. Her long and turbulent political journey came to a solemn end at 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for 37 days. “The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am,” AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary, said early in the morning. Her death was later confirmed by the medical board and senior party leaders. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul, his voice choked with emotion. Read more: Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Shockwave in Winter Morning Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. News of her death spread quickly through the city in the early hours, cutting through the cold winter morning and heavy fog. People across the country were stunned. Silence fell, while scenes of grief unfolded inside and outside the hospital. A deep sense of grief swept across Bangladesh with condolence messages pouring in from leaders at home and abroad. The BNP announced seven days of mourning over the death of its long-time leader. The government has declared three days of national mourning, including a general holiday on Wednesday. As per the BNP Standing Committee’s decision, Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. She will be buried with full state honours at Chandrima Udyan beside the grave of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at 3:30pm. Khaleda Zia led the BNP for 41 years and earned the title of the ‘uncompromising leader’ during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. She served as a Member of Parliament five times -- Prime Minister three times and Leader of the Opposition twice. Read more: Jaishankar to represent India to pay last respect to ex-PM Khaleda Wednesday Starting her political journey as a homemaker, Khaleda spent much of her over four-decade political life on the streets, leading movements and facing arrests and imprisonment, but never leaving the country. She never lost an election she contested. The BNP chief had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including liver and kidney complications, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and infections. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened, her elder son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and other family members rushed to the hospital late Monday night. Shortly after 2:00am, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, told reporters that she was passing through an ‘extremely critical time’ and requested the nation to pray for her recovery. A few hours later, doctors declared her dead. Family members, including Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, the family of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, her siblings, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were present at the hospital at the time. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were seen in tears as the news broke. The news spread rapidly on social media, with people from all walks of life expressing grief. BNP leaders, activists and supporters gathered outside the hospital in large numbers. Read more: Khaleda Zia: 41 years at BNP’s helm - an uncompromising leader At around 9am, the head of the medical board Prof Shahabuddin Talukder said with a choked voice that the medical team tried their best for more than a month, but Khaleda Zia was declared clinically dead at 6:00am. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the loss is ‘irreparable’ and something the nation would never be able to overcome. Govt’s Reactions Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had called him to express condolences. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of Khaleda. As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges and Quran khatam and prayers will be held nationwide during the period. Condolence books were opened at BNP’s central office, Chairperson’s Gulshan office and other party offices across the country. Read more: Top foreign dignitaries to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral An emergency meeting of the Advisory Council was held in the afternoon, where Mirza Fakhrul attended as a special guest. The meeting began with a minute’s silence, and decisions were taken regarding state mourning and funeral arrangements. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the country would remain unforgettable. The BNP Standing Committee also held an emergency meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman. BNP offices at Naya Paltan, Gulshan and elsewhere witnessed emotional scenes as leaders and supporters broke down in tears. Tarique’s Tributes Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute to Khaleda, remembering her as a tender and loving mother who was also a steadfast guardian for her family and the nation. “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. Read more: Vehicular movement to be restricted while Khaleda Zia’s body transported in city To many, he said, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the ‘Mother of Democracy’, the ‘Mother of Bangladesh’. “To me, Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy,” he said. Though her life was illuminated by sacrifice and struggle, Tarique said at home Khaleda was their truest guardian, a mother whose infinite love gave them strength in their darkest moments. He said Khaleda endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution. “Yet even in pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience was not loud, but it was unbreakable.” For the country, Tarique said she lost her husband and lost her child. “In that loss, this nation and its people became her family, her purpose, her very soul. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance, a legacy that will live on in the democratic conscience of Bangladesh.” Khaleda’s Legacy Khaleda Zia leaves behind a legacy as a steadfast leader, a symbol of resilience and patriotism, and one of the most influential states persons in Bangladesh’s history. History rarely announces its chosen figures in advance. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has proven it. Her life was a testament to resilience, determination and leadership, marked by an unwavering commitment to democracy and deep patriotism. Read more: Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise Starting as a homemaker, she entered politics seven months after the assassination of her husband, late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and rose to become Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in less than a decade. Over a political career spanning nearly 43 years, she faced personal tragedies, imprisonment and political turbulence, yet remained a steadfast leader and a unifying symbol of democracy in Bangladesh. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for 41 consecutive years as its chairperson, shaping not only her own remarkable political journey but also the course of the nation’s turbulent politics. Khaleda Zia, who entered politics with no prior political experience following the assassination of her husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in 1981, went on to shape a remarkable 43-year political journey. Analysts describe her as a charismatic and uncompromising leader. She led a long struggle against military rule under HM Ershad, forming a seven-party alliance that played a key role in his fall. Her political journey was not without hardships. She endured imprisonment, family tragedies—including the deaths of her husband and younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko—and repeated political harassment. Read more: BNP to open condolence book for Khaleda Zia at Gulshan office Even when the army-backed government in 2007 offered her opportunities to return to power or to go abroad, she firmly refused, saying that Bangladesh was her only home and the place where she wished to live until her death. Through this stance, she emerged as a symbol of resilience, integrity and national unity. Khaleda Zia was also known for her pragmatic approach. She supported dialogue and compromise when necessary, including the introduction of a neutral caretaker government system into the constitution, even when initially opposed within her party. She skillfully led BNP through multiple alliances, protests and elections, balancing strategic decisions with her principles. From Putul to Unifying Figure Born on August 15, 1945, as Khaleda Khan and nicknamed ‘Putul’ by her family, she married Ziaur Rahman in 1960 and became a widow at 36, raising her two sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, while gradually emerging as a decisive political leader. Throughout her leadership of BNP, Khaleda Zia earned respect not only from her followers but also across political parties. Analysts describe her as a unifying figure, a champion of democracy, and a symbol of perseverance who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape, paving the way for women to lead at the highest level. Read more: Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to heart and lung infections and passed away at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. She was nominated for three constituencies—Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7—for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, although her party also fielded alternative candidates in view of her critical health condition.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon (December 31, 2025). “We, the Standing Committee, have decided that her Janaza will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00 pm at the field of the South Plaza of the Parliament House and across the entire area of Manik Mia Avenue,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday, he also said the Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will lead the Janaza. Read more: Preparations underway at Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral Fakhrul said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the Janaza proceedings. Following the Janaza, he said, Khaleda Zia will be buried beside the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s proclaimer of independence, and introducer of multi-party democracy, popularly known as ‘Rakhal Raja’. Fakhrul urged all those intending to join the janaza to maintain strict discipline during the janaza and burial, requesting that no one disrupt the ceremony or move forward for photographs, and emphasised the importance of showing respect and preserving the solemnity of the occasion. He also called for prayers to the Almighty Allah for Khaleda Zia’s soul, seeking that she be granted a place in Jannah. The BNP leader also urged all to pray that Allah gives the Zia family, especially her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the strength to fulfill the responsibilities for the country and bear this grief. Read more: Condolences pour in for Khaleda Zia as nation mourns Fakhrul said the government has already declared three days of mourning, with tomorrow announced as a holiday. “You also know that the Prime Adviser has spoken to the nation, and we thank the government for their full cooperation.” Besides, he said, BNP has declared seven days of mourning. “During these seven days, we will wear black badges and raise black flags. Prayers and Quran recitations will be held at all party offices.” Earlier, the BNP Standing Committee held a meeting at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. After being under medical treatment for over a month, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at 6 am on Tuesday. Read more: Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as “irreparable”, saying the nation would never be able to fill the void created by her death. “We never imagined that we would have to stand before you with this news. We were hopeful that just like before, she would recover once again. But we’re now devastated,” he said in an emotional voice during a briefing at the Evercare Hospital in the morning. Fakhrul further said, “As you have already heard, the head of the medical board Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, announced that at 6:00am today our Mother of Democracy, the guardian of the nation, left us. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. This grief, this loss, is unusual and irreparable. This nation will never be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda devoted her entire life to the rights and welfare of the people. Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “That leader, who dedicated her whole life to the rights and well-being of people, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, is no longer with us. For us, her colleagues and political workers, this is something we cannot yet comprehend,” the BNP leader said. He said her death created a huge vacuum not only in Bangladesh’s politics but also in democratic movements worldwide. Emergency Standing Committee Meeting Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP Standing Committee would hold an emergency meeting at 12:30pm to finalise elaborate programmes. “We will also coordinate our programmes with those announced by the government and inform you accordingly,” he said. Earlier, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, formally announced that the BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am at the ICU of Evercare Hospital. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi During the briefing, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and members of the medical board were present. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition deteriorated on November 27, she was shifted to the CCU. She remained on life support until her final moments.