United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would never be able to evade responsibility for the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “On February 8, 2018, Khaleda Zia walked into jail on her own feet after being subjected to personal vengeance of fascist Hasina. But she came out of prison seriously ill,” he said while speaking at Manik Mia Avenue shortly before Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza.  Nazrul Islam said Khaleda’s prolonged imprisonment, denial of proper medical treatment and restrictions on treatment abroad had severely damaged her health and ultimately led to her death. “According to doctors at home and abroad, her illness worsened because she was denied the opportunity to receive treatment overseas during four years of house arrest. As a result, this unconquerable leader eventually succumbed to death. So, the fascist Hasina will never be free of responsibility for this death,” he said. Khaleda’s body was taken to a temporary stage set up at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad around 2:45pm for her janaza. Later, Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief life sketch of Khaleda Zia on behalf of the party. He explained the circumstances that led her to enter politics and highlighted her long struggle for democracy, her unwavering commitment to democratic values and her deep patriotism. The BNP leader also recalled her contributions to the country and urged everyone to pray for her departed soul. Inspiration Against Fascism Nazrul said Khaleda Zia never bowed before any domestic or foreign force, nor did she compromise on democracy, freedom of expression or voting rights, despite facing repeated repression. “She was jailed during the rule of autocrat Hussein Muhammad Ershad, during the so-called 1/11 regime and again under Sheikh Hasina,” he said. The BNP leader said Khaleda was evicted from her residence linked to the memory of her martyred husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, and sentenced to 17 years in prison on what he described as false charges. “Yet she never compromised with authoritarian politics. This is why she became an enduring inspiration in the struggle against fascism,” Nazrul said. He said Khaleda Zia was now being bid farewell amid the love, respect and prayers of millions of people. “Those who sent her to jail and made her homeless could not live in peace and were forced to flee,” he said referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024, and forced to seek refuge in India. Political Journey Nazrul said Khaleda Zia joined BNP on January 3, 1982, to keep the morale of party leaders and activists intact after the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman in 1981. “She began her tireless political journey at a time of national crisis…the entry of Begum Khaleda Zia into politics was sudden, but it was inevitable in the interest of the country,” he said. Despite being the party founder’s wife, Nazrul said Khaleda Zia rose through its ranks constitutionally, first as a primary member, then vice-chairperson, acting chairperson and later elected chairperson through the party council. Of her 43-year political life, he said, she led BNP for 41 years as its top leader, strengthening and organising the party. Role in Restoring Democracy Nazrul said Khaleda Zia led a continuous nine-year movement against Ershad’s military rule and restored democracy through a free, fair and neutral election in 1991. “For this, the nation honoured her with the title ‘Uncompromising Leader’,” he said. The BNP leader noted that she served as prime minister three times and won all parliamentary seats she contested, describing her electoral success as rare both nationally and internationally. “She was the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world,” he said. ‘Pray for my mother,’ Tarique urges all from Khaleda’s janaza     Governance and Legacy Nazrul said Khaleda Zia introduced landmark programmes for public welfare, including female education stipends, the ‘Food for Education’ programme, and separate ministries for expatriates and freedom fighters. He said Bangladesh gained international recognition as an “emerging tiger” during her tenure. “She used to say, ‘We have friends abroad, not masters,’” Nazrul recalled. Contributions to Liberation War Nazrul said during the 1971 Liberation War, Khaleda Zia was detained by Pakistani forces along with her two young sons from July 2 until victory, while her husband declared independence and served as a sector and forces commander. “The contribution of this family to the Liberation War is unparalleled,” he said. Final Farewell Nazrul said Khaleda Zia used to say Bangladesh was her only address, as she had no home outside the country. “She breathed her last on this soil and will rest forever beside her martyred husband. He expressed his confidence that BNP will move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, following Khaleda Zia’s ideals of democracy, peace, development and public welfare. Bidding farewell to Khaleda, the BNP Standing Committee member said, “She is departing with the respect, love and prayers of the entire nation, regardless of political affiliation. She leaves behind the unique legacy of a great woman, a fighter in politics and a patriotic stateswoman—an example that will remain a guiding inspiration for future generations of political leaders and activists.” Nazrul thanked the Chief Adviser, members of the advisory council, political leaders, chiefs of the three services, law enforcement agencies and all those involved in maintaining security and discipline during the funeral. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital at the age of 80 after suffering from multiple critical health complications.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged the people of Bangladesh to pray for his late mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and asked forgiveness on her behalf if she had ever hurt anyone. Addressing a sea of mourners at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad complex shortly before her namaz-e-janaza, Tarique said, “I am Tarique Rahman, the elder son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. If my mother had taken any loan from anyone during her lifetime, I request you to contact me. I will arrange repayment, Insha’Allah.” He further said, “If anyone was hurt by any of her actions or words during her lifetime, I sincerely seek forgiveness on behalf of the departed. Please pray that Allah Almighty grants her Jannah.” Tarique delivered the very brief and simple address at around 2:58pm, speaking emotionally, like any son of an ordinary Muslim family, as part of funeral formalities.

At the gate of Majumdar Bari in Fulgazi, Feni, a neem tree planted decades ago by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia still stands, quietly preserving a living memory of her ties to the ancestral home. Back in 2008, during a visit to her ancestral house, Majumdar Bari at Shreepur village of Fulgazi Upazila, Khaleda Zia planted a neem tree on the banks of the South Shreepur Dighi pond. Over the years, the tree grew under careful care and a tile bearing her name was placed at its base. Today, the tree stands as a silent tribute to her presence. Khaleda Zia, former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at 6:00 am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Upon hearing the news of her passing on Tuesday morning, the residents of Fulgazi were seen weeping openly. At her ancestral home, people gathered near the neem tree, taking photographs, remembering her as a living part of Majumdar Bari. For them, even in her absence, the tree serves as a lasting memory of Khaleda Zia. Majumdar Bari holds numerous personal relics of Khaleda Zia’s life—the chairs she sat on, a small cot she used for rest, and the dining table, all bearing the mark of her touch. Farewell to a leader; Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour Neigbours and family members recall that during her 2008 visit, Khaleda Zia also paid respects at the grave of her grandfather Salamat Ali Majumdar before beginning her election campaign. Her cousin, Shamim Hossain Majumdar, said, “She always showed respect to elders and gave immense affection to the young ones. The nation has lost an irreplaceable leader. This loss can never be filled.” Khaleda Zia also contributed to her ancestral area by establishing several institutions, including madrashas, mosques, schools and colleges for people. Her death has cast a shadow of mourning in Fulgazi and the entire Feni district. According to BNP’s website, Khaleda Zia was born to Iskandar Majumder and Taiyaba Majumder on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur district. She is the fourth among her four sisters and two brothers. 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. Her ancestral home in North Shreepur village, Sadar Union, Fulgazi Upazila, Feni, remains a symbol of her enduring legacy. Nomination papers were submitted on behalf of Khaleda Zia from this constituency for the 13th parliamentary election on Monday.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recited from the Holy Quran at his Gulshan residence and prayed for his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, shortly after her body arrived there on Wednesday morning. Sitting alone next to his mother's coffin inside the residence, Tarique Rahman appeared deeply grief-stricken as he prayed for his mother. Several relatives were seen reciting the Holy Quran and praying to the Almighty Allah, while others wept and expressed their sorrow. Earlier, a freezer-van wrapped in the red-and-green national flag, carrying Khaleda Zia’s body, left Evercare Hospital at around 8:55am amid tight security. The vehicle reached Tarique Rahman’s residence at House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue at about 9:16am. Following a brief stay at the residence, family members, close relatives and senior BNP leaders are expected to pay their last respects. Later, Khaleda Zia’s body will be taken to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, where her namaz-e-janaza will be held. After the funeral prayers, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at around 6:00am on Tuesday after undergoing treatment for more than a month.

Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday recalled her deep sense of motherly affection towards those around her. He shared his memories while speaking to journalists at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Those of us who had the opportunity to work closely with Begum Khaleda Zia saw two sides of her,” Dr Zahid said. “On the one hand, she was truly a guardian figure, and on the other, she cared for us with deep motherly affection.” He said no one could leave her residence without eating. “She would always ask whether the doctors had eaten, whether those working with her had been served food,” he recalled. Dr Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda was attentive even to small details. “If a doctor arrived a little late, she would ask why it took so long. She would say, ‘I have been waiting.’ When she was at home, specialist doctors visited her every day, and she spoke to everyone.” He urged the country’s people to pray to Almighty Allah to grant her Jannah. “May Allah give the leaders and activists of BNP the strength to bear this loss, and grant BNP Acting Chairman the strength to carry out his responsibilities amid this grief.” Asked when he last spoke to Khaleda Zia, Dr Zahid said dialysis began on December 1 and she was later placed on elective ventilation. “Even after that, there were times when we spoke to her. When we visited, she tried to respond and answer our questions.” He said doctors always acted according to her physical condition. “As physicians, we never do anything that could worsen a patient’s condition. At this moment, given my mental state, it is difficult for me to specify exactly when our last conversation took place.” Dr Zahid noted that whenever they visited her, she was responsive. “If she was asked something, she always tried to reply.” Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment for more than a month. Following her death, the BNP announced a seven-day mourning programme, during which party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at all offices of the party. Khaleda 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.

BNP on Tuesday expelled nine leaders at different levels for violating party discipline by carrying out organisational activities against its decisions. The decision was announced in a media release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The expelled leaders are BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Barrister Rumeen Farhana, National Executive Committee members Muhammad Gias Uddin, Mohammad Shah Alam, Hasan Mamun and Abdul Khaleq, former Vice-President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front Tarun Dey, former Convener of Dhaka North City BNP Saiful Alam Nirob, Sylhet district BNP Vice-President Mamunur Rashid, and President of Bancharampur upazila BNP in Brahmanbaria district agriculturist Mehdi Hasan Palash. The party said they have been expelled from BNP’s primary membership as well as from all posts at every level of the party for breaching organisational discipline. Party sources said the nine leaders were expelled for submitting nomination papers to contest the 13th parliamentary election against the party decision.

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. 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. According to political analysts, Khaleda’s rise began with public sympathy as the wife of Ziaur Rahman, but she soon turned that sympathy into genuine respect through her merit, modesty, generosity, wisdom and soft-spoken manner. Political analyst and author Mohiuddin Ahmad, in his book Khaleda, wrote, “In practical terms, she was the first Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh elected under a neutral government. No one can take away this achievement from her.” Late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, in the foreword to his book ‘Begum Khaleda Zia: Her Life, Her Story’, highlighted her unique rise, writing, “She (Khaleda Zia) carved out an independent political position at a time when society was overwhelmingly male-dominated.” Khaleda Zia entered politics with no prior experience, joining BNP in 1981 to help stabilise the party during internal divisions after her husband’s death. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming senior vice chairperson in March 1983, acting chairperson in January 1984, and BNP chairperson unopposed in May 1984, still under the age of 40. Top foreign dignitaries to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral Under her leadership, BNP came to power three times, and she personally never lost an election. She became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991 and the second woman to lead a Muslim-majority country after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto. 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. 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. 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. Tarique pays heartfelt tribute to Khaleda, hails her as a loving mother 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. Khaleda Zia leaves behind a legacy as a steadfast leader, a symbol of unity and one of Bangladesh’s most influential and enduring political figures.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called on party members and supporters to transform their grief over the passing of Chairperson Khaleda Zia into renewed determination, strengthening BNP into an unstoppable force and advancing the cause of a truly democratic Bangladesh. “Let us turn the grief over Khaleda Zia’s death into strength, build BNP into an unstoppable party, and establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic country,” he said. Fakhrul spoke to reporters after a meeting of the party’s National Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday afternoon. “The passing of our national leader is an irreplaceable loss in Bangladesh’s political history, and filling this void will not be easy. She left us at a time when she was most needed and when the nation was moving towards elections to strengthen democracy and establish a democratic system. She left us at a critical moment for our country,” he said.  Fakhrul said the grief and sorrow over the demise of their topmost leader is very difficult for them to bear, but they wanted to transform this grief into strength. By following the path laid out by Khaleda, he said they want to give democracy an institutional shape in Bangladesh and establish democracy firmly in the country through a free and fair election, Speaking outside the BNP Chairperson’s office with members of the Standing Committee, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia was not only a great politician for Bangladesh but also a respected figure in the democratic world as she dedicated her whole life to democracy. He described her as a brave, wise, and exceptional leader who fought repeatedly to protect democracy, even facing imprisonment and persecution. Tarique pays heartfelt tribute to Khaleda, hails her as a loving mother “Today, she is no longer with us,” Fakhrul said, his voice choking with emotion. He also said Khaleda spent almost her entire political life fighting for democracy and upholding its values.  “She served as Prime Minister three times, working to strengthen democracy and improve people’s lives. Even as an opposition leader, she continued her efforts to support democratic institutions,” the BNP leader said.

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 Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, 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. To many, he said, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the ‘Mother of Democracy’, the ‘Mother of Bangladesh’. Tarique said the country today mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations. “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.” Khaleda Zia: 41 years at BNP’s helm - an uncompromising leader 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.” “I ask you all to pray for my mother. For the profound emotion, love, and respect shown by the people of this country and by the world, my family and I remain eternally grateful,” he said.