KESHARHAT, Jan 18 (V7N) — The residents of Kesharhat organized a doa mahfil on Saturday at Kesharhat High School grounds to pray for the eternal peace of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Begum Khaleda Zia had earlier filed nominations for three constituencies for the upcoming election but passed away before the election process, leaving the nation in mourning.

Speaking as the chief guest, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milan, BNP Joint Secretary for Relief and Rehabilitation and former General Secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, reflected on Begum Zia’s extraordinary life and political career. He recalled her birth in 1945, her early marriage at age 15 to Major Ziaur Rahman, and the challenges she faced during the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Milan highlighted her resilience during nine months of imprisonment under the Pakistani regime, the hardships she endured during her political struggles, and her leadership during the military and autocratic periods in Bangladesh. He noted her role in restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991 as the country’s first female Prime Minister, her contributions to education, women’s empowerment, and the establishment of ministries for women, children, and freedom fighters.

He also emphasized the unfair trials she faced during imprisonment, the loss of her family members, and the demolition of her home, yet her commitment to saving the country and the people remained unwavering. Milan stated that Begum Zia’s passing has united people across the nation and attracted global leaders to her funeral, with dignitaries from 26 countries attending. She was laid to rest beside her late husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in Zia Udyan, Dhaka.

The ceremony also prayed for other notable figures, freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, and deceased BNP leaders and supporters. Participants urged citizens to unite and support the BNP in the upcoming elections.

The doa mahfil was presided over by Kesharhat Municipality BNP President Alauddin Alo, with oversight by General Secretary Mashiur Rahman. Special guests included Abdus Samad, Abu Hena Kamruzzaman, Shamimul Islam Mun, Mahbub Ar Rashid, Bachchu Rahman, Khushbur Rahman, Mokbul Hossain, Babul Akter, Mahbub Alam Bulbul, Osman Ali, Nazrul Islam, Mozadded Jamani Suman, Syeda Rumena Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Abdur Razzak, Mahmudul Hasan Rubel, and Shahin Alam, among other BNP leaders, party affiliates, youth and student representatives.

In the evening, Milan attended another prayer session at Nowhata Municipality in the Paba and Mohanpur areas for the soul of Begum Zia. Earlier in the day, he interacted with residents and shopkeepers in Kesharhat to pay his respects.

The event highlighted the enduring legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia, honoring her lifelong dedication to Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democracy, and the welfare of its people.

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