18 business bodies pay tribute to Khaleda Zia for economic, democratic legacy
Business Report :
The memorial meeting was held at the initiative of ICCB and in collaboration with 18 top business organizations of the country.
The International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB) paid deep tribute to Khaleda Zia, one of the pioneers of Bangladesh’s democratic movement, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Khaleda Zia’s long political life, role in restoring democracy and contribution to state governance were remembered with deep respect at a memorial meeting and prayer mahfil organized in the capital on Monday.
The memorial meeting was held at the initiative of ICCB and in collaboration with 17 top business organizations of the country.
The speakers said that Begum Khaleda Zia is a unique leader in the political history of Bangladesh. Parliamentary democracy was restored in the country in 1991 under her leadership, which is a landmark chapter in the political history of Bangladesh.
By winning that election, she assumed office as the country’s first female Prime Minister and gained international recognition as one of the elected female heads of government in the Muslim world.
It was reported at the memorial service that in the nineties and early 2000s, economic stability and social development were strengthened in the country under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. During this period, significant progress was made in poverty alleviation.
During her second term, GDP growth was strong and foreign investment increased significantly. The investment of about $500 million in the Kafco fertilizer factory with the participation of Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands was mentioned as one of the biggest successes of that time.
The ICCB informed that Begum Khaleda Zia’s government adopted various reform policies to develop the private sector, expand trade and increase Bangladesh’s integration with the global economy, which strengthened the foundation for economic growth in the long term.
The speakers said that despite various adversities in political life, imprisonment, legal battles and chronic physical illness, Begum Khaleda Zia put the welfare of the people of the country and national interests first. Her life was a symbol of struggle, courage and sense of responsibility.
Speakers at the memorial said: “She has no other home but Bangladesh”-this patriotism and responsibility is her greatest legacy for future generations.
Finally, a special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, condolences were expressed to the bereaved family.
ICCB president Mahbubur Rahman presided over the event.