Rajshahi, Jan 06 (V7N) - Speakers at a doa mahfil in Rajshahi recalled Begum Khaleda Zia’s long-standing connection with the region, highlighting her visits, leadership style, and contributions to national development and democracy.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, BNP-nominated candidate for Rajshahi-2, former mayor and former lawmaker Mizanur Rahman Minu said Begum Khaleda Zia visited Rajshahi 16 times during her political career. He claimed that most of the city’s development took place during her tenure in office and described her relationship with Rajshahi as deeply spiritual and emotional.

He said Khaleda Zia kept the names of Rajshahi’s political leaders close to her heart, as major movements such as long marches and train marches were organised by Rajshahi leaders during that time. “For this reason, every person and political activist of Rajshahi occupied a special place in her heart,” he added.

Mizanur Rahman Minu described Khaleda Zia as humble, patient, and honest, saying she had no arrogance despite her stature. “She listened more and spoke less. She never said ‘I’; she always said ‘we’. She embraced the people of the country with affection and love,” he said. Recalling her words, he added that she had once said she was born in Bangladesh and would die in Bangladesh.

He noted that although Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer among the living, she will be remembered by the nation and the world for generations, and her name will be written in golden letters in the pages of history. He further expressed hope that her vision of building a strong Bangladesh by uniting all would be fulfilled by her eldest son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who follows the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

The prayer gathering also sought peace, prosperity, and well-being for the country and its people.

The event was organised by the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP on Monday afternoon at Batar Mor in the city. Among those who spoke were Khaleda Zia’s former adviser and BNP-nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1, retired Major General Sharif Uddin; BNP National Executive Committee member for Forest and Environment Affairs and former Rajshahi City Mayor Mohammad Mosaddeq Hossain Bulbul; and BNP Joint Secretary for Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs and BNP-nominated candidate for Paba–Mohanpur, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon.

The programme was chaired by Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Mamun-or-Rashid and conducted by General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists from metropolitan, ward, thana, and affiliated organisations were present, including former freedom fighter leaders, unit presidents and general secretaries, youth, volunteer, labour, farmer, women, and student wing representatives, reflecting broad participation in remembering the late BNP chairperson and praying for her eternal peace.

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