United News of Bangladesh

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, has remembered her grandmother Khaleda Zia by sharing a poem by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on social media. “Do not look at me like that, again and again, with eyes brimming with tears/ Do not look with eyes brimming with tears. / In that pained voice, do not keep singing only the song of farewell, / Do not sing only the song of farewell,” the post reads.  Zaima took these lines from a famous Kazi Nazrul Islam poetry collection.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party will gain strength from the public’s love after Khaleda Zia’s death and secure victory for the pro-Bangladesh force in the next election. “The love among the people and the emotion created after the demise of Madam (Khaleda) will undoubtedly make the Bangladesh Nationalist Party even stronger,” he said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s passing at this critical time, when her guidance was most needed, has deeply saddened people. “That is why they gathered at her namaz-e-janaza, shed tears and prayed for the salvation of her soul. They also left with a strong resolve to fulfil their duty to establish democracy and ensure that the next election is free, fair and neutral. I believe they will make BNP—the force that stands for this country—victorious,” he said. Fakhrul also said people even joined Khaleda Zia’s janaza from the rooftops of nearby buildings, reflecting the depth of public affection for the late leader, whom he described as a rare figure in Bangladesh’s politics. “She never compromised on her principles, never compromised on the country’s independence and sovereignty, and spent her entire life struggling to establish democracy. She endured imprisonment and hardship, and although she remained ill until her final days, she never left the country. This deep love for the nation, the soil and the people moved everyone,” he said. Replying to a question, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia left behind a strong political legacy. He said that while BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman bears an important responsibility as her successor, the responsibility equally lies with every leader and activist of the party to uphold the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman and carried forward by Khaleda Zia. “The flag of Bangladeshi nationalism is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul said, adding that people expect him to carry this legacy forward by protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, ensuring public security, and working to establish democracy with the support of the people,” Fakhrul said. Khaleda’s Demise: Fakhrul urges party to transform grief into strength He also said no formal decision has yet been taken regarding Khaleda Zia’s Qulkhawani (post-funeral religious programme), adding that the matter will be discussed later and the media will be informed accordingly. Earlier, Pir of Charsina Darbar Sharif, Mufti Shah Abu Nasr Nesaruddin Ahmad Hussain, met Fakhrul at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said there is no legal scope to suspend or defer the election following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “There is no legal scope to defer the election. Since our party has nominated alternative candidates for the seats allocated to her, they will become the BNP candidates if their nominations pass scrutiny,” he said while talking to reporters at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. Explaining the legal position, Salahuddin said if the BNP chief had died after the scrutiny of nominations or the allocation of election symbols, legal complications could have arisen and the question of postponement might have come up. “But that is not the situation now. She passed away before the scrutiny process. Legally, she no longer exists as a legal entity, so her nomination paper will not be valid during scrutiny,” he said. In that case, the BNP leader said, if the nominations of the alternative candidate are found valid, that persons will be the BNP candidates in place of Begum Khaleda Zia. Asked whether BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has broken down following his mother’s death, Salahuddin said Tarique Rahman is a political personality and must remain mentally strong. “There is no alternative to this. No matter how shocked he is, he must remain strong in the interests of the nation,” he said. Salahuddin said Begum Khaleda Zia sacrificed her entire life, her children and her family while struggling for democracy. “She had an unmatched love for this country, its people and its soil. Her patriotism has no comparison,” he said. The BNP leader said that although she lost everything in her personal life, she achieved a position that very few people in the world ever attain. “We will move forward carrying her sacrifices, contributions and patriotism as our strength to build a strong, democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh. We must do this, as it is the demand of the nation,” he said. Salahuddin said Begum Khaleda Zia was not only a leader of BNP or Bangladesh, but also a leader for democracy-loving people across the world. “She rose above party lines and political differences, and the people of this country placed her in that position of honour. That is a major achievement in our national life,” he said. At the same time, Salahuddin said the pain and emptiness created by her death would never be filled. “We have lost her, and that sorrow will remain forever,” he said. Attack on two media outlets is a shame for nation: Salahuddin Khaleda Zia passed away early on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital at the age of 80. Her Namaz-e-Janaza was held on Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, attended by millions, after which she was buried beside her late husband and former president Ziaur Rahman with full state honours. She was nominated by BNP for three constituencies—Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7—for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, although the party also fielded alternative candidates in view of her critical health condition.

A day after her burial, BNP leaders, activists, and common people on Thursday visited the grave of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to offer fateha and pay their tributes. The entrance to Zia Udyan was opened to the public after 12 noon on Thursday, allowing people to visit the grave. A large number of people gathered earlier in front of Zia Udyan to visit her grave, but security personnel did not allow entry at that time. The gate remained closed for the general public since the completion of her burial on Wednesday evening. Once the entrance to the grave was opened at noon, visitors were seen offering fateha and placing flowers and wreaths at the grave as a mark of their love and respect for their beloved leader, who was laid to rest beside her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, following a historic namaz-e-janaza on Wednesday. Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar visited the grave in the morning amid tight security, while BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince offered prayers standing in front of the security cordon. In grief, Tarique Rahman finds family in the nation Later, speaking to reporters, Babar said Khaleda Zia upheld the ideals of Ziaur Rahman, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is following her principles. He urged people to pray for her soul, saying, “May Allah grant her the best place in Jannatul Firdaus.” Supporters from across the country, including students, children, women, and elderly citizens, visited the grave throughout the afternoon. Some were seen weeping, while others recited prayers and offered flowers. Asifur Rahman Biplob, a Jubo Dal leader, came from Old Dhaka to pay his respects to the late BNP Chairperson. He praised her lifelong commitment to democracy and said future generations would remember her contributions. Many visitors travelled from outside Dhaka, including Munshiganj resident Fatema Sharmin and Panchagarh district BNP President Jahirul Islam, who also came to pay their respects at the grave. Security forces, including the Army, Police, and other law enforcement personnel, maintained strict arrangements at the mausoleum. Khaleda Zia passed away early on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital at the age of 80. Her Namaz-e-Janaza was held on Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, attended by millions, after which she was buried beside her late husband and former president Ziaur Rahman with full state honours.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said the nation’s overwhelming show of love and solidarity made him feel the whole nation is his family at a time of greatest sorrow as he bade farewell to his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “Yesterday, with a heart full of sorrow and gratitude, I laid my beloved mother, my first teacher in life, three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, to her final rest beside my father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The weight of her absence is immeasurable, but your presence, the Bangladeshi people's, has made this profound moment feel less alone,” he said in a Facebook post.  Tarique said he was deeply moved by the outpouring of love from friends, neighbours, well-wishers and families who came in their millions to honour Khaleda Zia’s life and legacy, adding that their presence alongside his family during the most difficult hours reminded him that she was not only a mother to him, but in many ways a mother of the nation. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to senior dignitaries from South Asian countries who attended in person, as well as to foreign governments, diplomats and partners who conveyed their condolences to the family and the party, saying their gestures of respect and sympathy touched his hearts deeply. Khaleda's passing leaves irreplaceable void, but her vision, legacy will endure: Modi “In this moment of personal loss, I cannot help but remember the ones I have lost before, my dear father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and my brother Arafat Rahman. And yet, to be surrounded here by so many who feel like family has been a source of comfort I never expected on a day like this. Today, at a time of greatest sorrow, I feel like this whole nation is my family,” Tarique said.  He recalled that his mother devoted her life to serving others with relentless dedication and said he felt the weight of her that legacy.  Tarique thanks CA, all others for support during Khaleda’s janaza  Tarique pledged to honour it with humility and commitment adding that where her journey paused, he would strive to continue her work for the people whose faith and love had sustained her until her last breath. “May Allah grant her eternal peace, and may we find strength in the devotion she shared with us all,” he said.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Advise and Advisers of the interim government, members of the armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, government officials and media professionals for their role in ensuring a dignified and orderly farewell to his mother and  former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. “In yesterday's (Tuesday’s) moments of deep personal loss, I want to speak from the heart and thank the many individuals whose care and professionalism helped the country conduct itself through my mother’s final farewell,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.  Tarique said he is deeply grateful to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force who stood with dignity and diligence throughout the day.  “Many of you were on duty for long hours, ensuring order and calm while remaining mindful of the grief that surrounded us. Your conduct reflected not only discipline, but kindness,” he said.  The BNP leader also expressed his sincere thanks to the men and women serving across the country’s security and law-enforcement agencies, including the Home Adviser’s office, the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Armed Police Battalion (APBN), saying they worked patiently and respectfully to help millions of people gather and return safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace. New Year: Tarique calls for united efforts to restore democracy He expressed gratitude to the often unseen personnel of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Special Branch (SB), saying their vigilance helped ensure security and the smooth conduct of the day. He acknowledged the many public servants and staff working at the National Security Adviser’s office, PSO AFD, the Directorate General of the Special Security Force (SSF), and teams from the ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Affairs, and Religious Affairs, saying their thoughtful coordination and steady presence helped ensure that the entire process was handled with care. “I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose thoughtful efforts helped ensure that senior dignitaries from abroad were able to personally convey the condolences of their respective countries. Their presence reflected the deep respect my mother was held in beyond our borders,” Tarique said.  Paying tribute to journalists, he said covering the funeral amid a massive crowd spread over several square kilometres was an immense challenge, yet media professionals from home and abroad carried out their duties with dedication and responsibility. “I extend my sincere respect and heartfelt thanks to all of them.” The BNP leader also thanked Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and members of the advisory council for attending the funeral and guiding the day with care during a period of national mourning. In grief, Tarique Rahman finds family in the nation “On behalf of my family, I thank each of you, not as institutions, but as people, for the empathy, respect, and sense of duty you showed at a time when we were grieving a great loss. Your efforts made it possible for our family, Alhamdilillah, and for the nation, to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called for united efforts to restore democracy in the country through a free and fair election and the formation of an accountable government. In a message marking the English New Year 2026, he also appealed to people to reject destruction and revenge and instead build a society founded on love, tolerance, peace and harmony. “The past year still remains vivid in our minds. Alongside achievements and successes, there were also bitter experiences and the pain of losing loved ones, which have left us both encouraged and deeply saddened,” Tarique said. “On this day, our commitment must be to form an accountable government through a free and fair election, ensure the political and economic empowerment of the people, and work together to fully restore democracy,” he added. The BNP leader said anti-democratic, defeated forces kept all the rights of the people captive for a long time.  He said the nation must once again begin the task of establishing multi-party democracy through the united efforts of all democratic forces. Extending New Year greetings, Tarique wished peace, happiness, wellbeing and prosperity for people at home and abroad. He said the arrival of the New Year carries new hope, new messages and fresh determination, while the experiences of the past year help people move forward with lessons learned. The BNP leader noted that January 1 has become an international celebration, where different nations observe the New Year while preserving their own cultural traditions.  He said the New Year is not only a festival but also a reflection of culture, heritage and collective values. “In the new year, we dream anew of building a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh. We aspire to build a nation where every citizen matters and every voice is free,” Tarique said.  He said that the New Year brings a fresh rhythm of life, new hope and new possibilities to everyone, and expressed the hope that Bangladesh would move forward on a path of immense potential.  Tarique also said that all injustice, oppression and persecution should be banished forever, noting that the English New Year has become an inseparable part of everyday life across the world. ‘Pray for my mother,’ Tarique urges all from Khaleda’s janaza     He said that colourful celebrations are held across the world to welcome the New Year, and on this festive occasion, he once again called upon the people of the country to make a collective effort to move the nation forward by overcoming all social and political barriers. “Let our message in the New Year be: not destruction, not revenge—let us build a society based on love, tolerance, peace and harmony. We must build a democratic Bangladesh founded on human rights and social justice,” the BNP leader said.

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.