Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N)- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the countrymen to pray for his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away earlier today.

In a verified Facebook post on Tuesday (December 30) afternoon, Tarique Rahman wrote, “All of you will pray for my mother. My family and I are eternally grateful for the passion, love and global respect shown by the countrymen for her.”

Expressing his grief, he wrote, “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has left us today in response to the call of Almighty Allah (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un).” He said that while she was known to many as a national leader and an uncompromising political figure, to others she was regarded as “the mother of democracy, the mother of Bangladesh.”

Tarique Rahman said the nation is mourning the loss of a leader who played an invaluable role in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. He described Khaleda Zia as a compassionate mother who dedicated her entire life to the country and its people.

He wrote that she spent her life fighting against dictatorship, fascism and hegemony, and led the struggle to uphold independence, sovereignty and democracy. “Despite her lifelong sacrifices and struggles, she was a true guardian of the family—a beacon whose immense love gave us strength and inspiration even in our most difficult times,” he said.

Referring to the hardships she endured, Tarique Rahman wrote that Khaleda Zia was repeatedly arrested, deprived of proper medical treatment and subjected to severe oppression. “Yet, despite pain, loneliness and uncertainty, she instilled indomitable courage, compassion and patriotism in every member of our family,” he added.

He further stated that Khaleda Zia never compromised for the sake of the country. “She lost her husband and her child for the nation. Therefore, this country and its people were her family, her being, her existence,” he wrote.

Tarique Rahman said that she has left behind an unforgettable legacy of public service, sacrifice and struggle, which will be remembered forever in the democratic history of Bangladesh.

It may be recalled that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un).

END/SMA/AJ