The historic mass uprising led by students in July last year redefined the political landscape of Bangladesh.
As the nation arose against the long-standing Awami League misrules; the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India.
And the first to be released on the demand of the people was the imprisoned BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has long been known by the countrymen as an uncompromising leader of democracy.
The country is now in a state of uncertainty. Khaleda Zia’s active leadership is more important than ever at this critical time. Unfortunately, her health condition has deteriorated at the moment.
Long-term heart disease, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and lung complications have left her bedridden in a city hospital.
Yet, the passion, loyalty, and respect people have for her have united a vast population-a unique sight in political history.
Although she is currently seriously ill and undergoing treatment in the hospital, her physical presence and guidance in terms of political stability and democratic transition carry an essential importance for today’s Bangladesh.
From party leaders and activists to President Md. Shahabuddin, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the people from all walks of life prayed for her speedy recovery.
It is to be noted that after the assassination of President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, she went from being a housewife to entering politics and leading the movement against the dictator Ershad.
Her rise to power was astonishing, changing all the calculations of the military-political circles of the time. It was through her hands that parliamentary democracy was re-established in the country in 1991.
During her long struggling political career, she was imprisoned multiple times, but she never compromised on the issue of democracy.
As the country is facing the challenge of restructuring state institutions and transitioning to a democratic path through free, fair and impartial elections, the political role of an experienced and popular leader like three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is undeniable.
Khaleda Zia has become a living legendary politician in the recent history of the country.
A three-time elected Prime Minister who has been at the peak of his popularity for more than 42 years; she has the outstanding achievement of winning the largest number of parliamentary seats, and leading street movements as an uncompromising leader.
Today, as Bangladesh stands on a new path of democratic transition, Khaleda Zia’s well-being is crucial for the country’s future.
Her political experience, sacrifice, and leadership can play a role in building national unity in times of crisis.
The countrymen hope that Khaleda Zia will recover quickly, return to the people, and continue her ideological role in building a new democratic state.
