Reverence for a political icon

Leaders from across Bangladesh's political spectrum have expressed their condolences over the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, paying tribute to her long political career and her role in Bangladesh's democratic movements.

In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina, president of the Awami League, which is currently banned from political activities, said, "As Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, her contribution to the country and the democratic movement was immense. Her death is an irreparable loss to the nation's politics and to BNP leadership. I pray for the forgiveness of her soul."

Hasina, ousted by an uprising last year, also extended her heartfelt condolences to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other grieving members of the family.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman extended condolences, praying for Khaleda's forgiveness and eternal peace. In a message, he sought patience and strength for her family members, relatives, and colleagues.

National Citizen Party and its affiliated bodies also conveyed deep mourning over her death.

In a statement, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said Khaleda Zia spearheaded the struggle against dictatorship and remained unwavering in her mission to safeguard democracy throughout her political life.

The party credited her with playing a pivotal role in the restoration of parliamentary governance and rebuilding a democratic environment following the mass uprising of 1990, which ended nearly a decade of military rule.

Calling Khaleda an inspiration of Bangladesh's democratic struggle, Dr Kamal Hossain, emeritus president of Gonoforum, said in a condolence message that her leadership in the anti-autocracy movement and her efforts to restore democracy will be remembered with respect.

He also prayed for the peace of her soul and expressed sympathy to her family as well as party leaders and activists.

Communist Party of Bangladesh expressed deep sorrow over the death of Khaleda, calling her a courageous and determined leader.

CPB leaders said her role in the 1990 anti-Ershad movement and the country's democratic struggle will be remembered with respect.

In a statement signed by Mostafa Alamgir Ratan, convener of the central media department of Workers' Party of Bangladesh, said, "Khaleda Zia assumed leadership during a period of political uncertainty and played a steadfast role in the struggle against military rule, contributing to the restoration of democracy in the country. As a three-time prime minister, she made notable contributions to Bangladesh's democratic movement and development, and earned the love of the people."

Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Pir Saheb Charmonai, said Khaleda was a prominent and significant figure in Bangladesh's political history.

In a Facebook post, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki wrote that he was deeply saddened by the death of BNP chief.

Describing Khaleda a key leader of the united democratic movement against Ershad's military regime, the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal expressed deep sorrow over her demise in a statement.

In a joint statement, Gonotantrik Juktafront, a new coalition of different political parties, offered condolences to Tarique, his family, and the leaders, activists, and supporters of the party.

The statement was signed by Left Democratic Alliance coordinator and BSD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, CPB President Sazzad Zahir Chandan, Bangladesh JASAD President Sharif Nurul Ambia, Biplobi Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Gonotantrik Biplobi Party General Secretary Moshrefa Mishu, BASAD (Marxist) coordinator Masud Rana, and Bangladesh Socialist Party Executive President Abdul Ali.

Major (retd) Abdul Mannan, president of Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, described Khaleda as a fearless leader who defended democracy and national sovereignty, offered condolences to her family and party members, and prayed for her soul's forgiveness and strength for the nation to bear this loss.

BNF President SM Abul Kalam Azad called the BNP chief an unforgettable leader in Bangladesh's democratic history.

Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, joint secretary general of Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh, called the BNP chief as a courageous leader whose stance for Islamic values and national sovereignty inspired the nation.

Gono Odhikar Parishad, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Khelafat Majlis, and Rashtra Sanskar Andolan also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Khaleda.