DHAKA: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Friday described former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia as the architect of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh and a symbol of liberal, inclusive leadership.
He made the remarks while addressing a citizens’ condolence meeting organised by the Metropolitan Journalists’ Union (MUJ) at the Liaquat Ali Auditorium of the Khulna Press Club.
Speaking as the chief guest, Parwar said Begum Khaleda Zia rose above partisan politics and played a historic role in guiding the country’s transition from a presidential system to a parliamentary form of government.
“The nation will remain eternally indebted to her for initiating and safeguarding this democratic transformation,” he said.
Parwar noted that the condolence meeting was not only an occasion to mourn her passing, but also an opportunity to honour her political contributions and steadfast commitment to democratic principles.
Other speakers at the meeting recalled her leadership qualities, saying arrogance, authoritarianism and ostentation are often associated with those in power, but such traits were never evident in Begum Khaleda Zia.
They said whether governing the state or leading her party, she maintained a simple lifestyle, modest conduct and an inclusive approach to leadership.
The speakers also highlighted her contributions to the development of Khulna, noting that during her tenure as prime minister she paid personal attention to the region’s challenges.
They mentioned her initiatives in education, infrastructure development, administrative reforms and public security. Speakers further recalled her regular meetings with Khulna lawmakers to ensure adequate budget allocations and effective implementation of development projects.
For these efforts, they said, the people of Khulna continue to remember her with gratitude and respect.
Expressing hope for the future, the speakers said Begum Khaleda Zia’s ideals, democratic vision and liberal leadership would continue to inspire future generations of politicians in building a humane, inclusive and discrimination-free democratic Bangladesh.
The meeting was presided over by MUJ Khulna President Md Rashidul Islam, while former MUJ Acting General Secretary Abul Hasan Himalay delivered the welcome address.
The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran and concluded with doa and munajat, conducted by MUJ Khulna Vice-President Md Nuruzzaman. The event was moderated by MUJ General Secretary Abdur Razzaq Rana and Assistant General Secretary Ashraful Islam Noor.
Among others, former MP and ex-president of Khulna Metropolitan BNP Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna Metropolitan BNP President SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, Khulna Metropolitan Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Mohammad Moniruzzaman Moni, BFUJ Assistant Secretary General Ehteshamul Haque Shawon, Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Professor Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, BNP Executive Committee member and former Chamber of Commerce president Saharuzzaman Mortoza, along with leaders from various political, professional and journalists’ organisations, spoke at the event.
Following the meeting, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.
