Adieu Khaleda Zia: The End of an Imperishable Chapter

THE Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister and a lasting political icon, Begum Khaleda Zia, was laid to eternal rest with state honours beside her husband Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital this afternoon. Earlier, her Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the afternoon.

Her Namaz-e-Janaza, one of the largest ever held, was attended by hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, offering prayers and bidding her a final farewell amid waves of grief.

Besides members of her family, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, interim government advisers, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP leaders, leaders of other political parties, and the chiefs of the three services joined the Namaz-e-Janaza.

As well, foreign dignitaries, including India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Bhutan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Lyonpo D N Dhungyel also attended the funeral. In addition, representatives from other South and Southeast Asian countries were also present.

Khaleda Zia started her political journey as a complete housewife. In the course of events, that housewife became a mature politician with strong principles and values. She spent much of her over four-decade political life on the streets, leading movements and facing arrests and imprisonment, but never leaving the country. She never lost an election she contested.

It is to be noted that the BNP chief was again admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. She had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including liver and kidney complications, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and infections.

The uncompromising leader, Khaleda Zia, became the country’s prime minister three times, with enviable popularity, love and acceptance. This dignified, soft-spoken leader took herself to another level in the international arena with her positive image, political foresight, and extraordinary personality. She left everyone in tears for the land of no return. But she will be immortal, eternally shining, and unfading for her deeds.
She was more than a name. She is gone, but the political philosophy and patriotism she bequeathed have transcended time.

Her passing marks the close of a chapter, but her ideals remain inseparable from Bangladesh’s national consciousness. May Allah grant her Jannatul Ferdous and give the bereaved nation strength to endure this irreparable loss. Bangladesh will never forget you.