Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi declared on Saturday that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is prepared to lead Bangladesh toward a new horizon by upholding the democratic ideals established by his mother, the late Begum Khaleda Zia.

Speaking to journalists after offering fateha at Khaleda Zia’s grave at Zia Udyan, Rizvi emphasized that the party remains committed to the principles left behind by their chairperson.

“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 stated.

Rizvi noted that the transition of leadership is rooted in the legacy of the "Mother of Democracy."

He remarked, “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 highlighted her resilience against political repression as the ultimate guide for the party’s future.

“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,” Rizvi added.

Accompanied by leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal, including President Afroza Abbas and General Secretary Sultana Ahmed, Rizvi placed a wreath and offered munajat for the departed soul.

He took the opportunity to condemn the previous Awami League administration for its treatment of the former Prime Minister during her incarceration.

“There was a deliberate plot to remove her from this world,” Rizvi alleged, claiming she was subjected to vindictive cases and denied proper medical care. Despite this, he noted that her dignity remained intact.

“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.”

Reflecting on the massive public turnout at her funeral, Rizvi described the scenes of grief across the country as unprecedented. “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.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 and was buried with full state honors on December 31.
Since then, Zia Udyan has seen a continuous stream of citizens arriving from across the country to pay their final respects.

With Inputs from UNB