People deeply saddened by Khaleda Zia's passing at Bangladesh's critical time: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said people have been deeply saddened by the passing of Khaleda Zia at a critical juncture for the country.

He made the remarks today (1 January) while speaking at the BNP office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Explaining why an unprecedented number of people attended the janaza of the late BNP chairperson, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia was a rare personality in Bangladesh's political history.

"She never compromised on principles, never compromised on the country's independence and sovereignty. Her entire life was a struggle to establish democracy. She endured imprisonment. Despite being ill, she never left the country," he said.

He added that her love for the country, its soil and its people deeply moved the nation, which is why people turned out in such large numbers to pay their final respects.

Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia's passing at a time when her guardianship was most needed has left people heartbroken. "That is why people gathered to pray for the salvation of the country's leader, shedding tears. From there, people returned with the hope that in the next election they will make BNP, the force in favour of the country, victorious," he said.

He further said the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by martyred president Ziaur Rahman was upheld by Khaleda Zia, who also carried the banner of independence and sovereignty. "In the same way, Tarique Rahman will carry that banner forward. With the people, he will work to protect the country's independence and sovereignty, safeguard the nation, put it on the right path and establish democracy - this is what people expect," Fakhrul said.

Asked whether Khaleda Zia's absence would have any impact on the upcoming election, the BNP secretary general said her passing has generated immense public love and emotion. "That emotion will undoubtedly make BNP even stronger," he added.