Khaleda Zia a lifelong fighter for democracy: Dr Shafiq

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson and three-time prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a lifelong champion of democracy and people’s rights.

Speaking at a direct exchange and Q&A session titled “Hello Our Leader” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, he prayed for Allah’s mercy on Khaleda Zia and strength for her family, colleagues, and supporters.

Dr Shafiqur also honoured slain Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi, calling him an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism and urging youth to follow his example: “Just as he stood firm, you too must stand up for Bangladesh and say, ‘I am Hadi’.”

He highlighted the period from January 2009 to August 2024, saying the country had been under fascist rule where political opponents were targeted, yet efforts to resist and restore rights fell short.

Referring to Hadi as a martyr, Shafiqur said, “Those who could not tolerate the restoration of people’s rights or see Bangladesh stand tall removed him from this world.”

Shafiqur added that Hadi’s uncompromising voice and courage made him a global symbol, and stressed the responsibility of current leadership to build a dignified, safe, and self-reliant Bangladesh with the youth.

He also mentioned that Jamaat had released a People’s Manifesto to include public ideas and aspirations in its future vision.