Khaleda Zia will remain immortal in the democratic journey: Tarique Rahman

Khaleda Zia will Remain Immortal in the Democratic Journey: Tarique Rahman

Rtv News

Publish : 30 Dec 2025, 07:23 PM

Photo: Collected

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that Khaleda Zia will remain immortal in Bangladesh's democratic journey. He made these remarks in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon (December 30).

"My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un," Tarique Rahman wrote.

"To many, she was the 'Deshnetri' (Leader of the Country), the uncompromising leader; to many, she was the 'Mother of Democracy' and the 'Mother of Bangladesh.' Today, the nation is deeply mourned by the loss of a pioneer who played an endless role in the country's democratic path."

The BNP Acting Chairman added: "To me, Khaleda Zia was a compassionate mother who dedicated her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she fought against autocracy, fascism, and hegemonism; she led the struggle to establish independence, sovereignty, and democracy."

A Life of Sacrifice

Tarique Rahman highlighted her resilience despite personal hardship: "Even while shining through sacrifice and struggle, she was the true guardian of our family—a beacon whose immense love provided strength and inspiration during our hardest times. She was arrested repeatedly, deprived of medical treatment, and subjected to extreme persecution. Yet, amidst pain, loneliness, and uncertainty, she instilled indomitable courage, empathy, and patriotism in every family member."

He further noted that for the sake of the country, she lost her husband and her son. "Therefore, this country and its people were her family, her essence, and her existence. She leaves behind an unforgettable history of public service, sacrifice, and struggle that will remain immortal in Bangladesh's democratic journey."

Tarique Rahman concluded by requesting prayers: "I ask you all to pray for my mother. My family and I are forever grateful for the emotion, love, and global respect shown toward her by the countrymen."

Passing and Tributes

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 AM on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and leaders of various political parties have expressed deep grief over her death. The BNP has announced a seven-day mourning program.

A Legacy Under Pressure

During the 16-year rule of the Awami League, Khaleda Zia faced prolonged persecution and imprisonment. She was denied adequate medical treatment, leading to a gradual decline in her health. Although she was later released under conditional terms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained confined to her rented residence, 'Firoza,' in Gulshan.

Denied specialized care during the previous regime, she developed multiple complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney issues.

Following the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, President Mohammed Shahabuddin released Khaleda Zia on August 6.

On January 7 of this year, she traveled to London for advanced medical treatment. After a 117-day stay, she returned to Bangladesh on May 6. While her health initially showed signs of improvement, the cumulative toll of her various illnesses and advanced age made her increasingly frail. She was most recently admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23, where she remained for over a month until her passing.

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