Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said his party will gain strength from public support following the death of former party chairperson Khaleda Zia and work to secure victory for the pro-Bangladesh force in the next election, report agencies.
The love among the people and the emotion created after the demise of Madam (Khaleda) will undoubtedly make the Bangladesh Nationalist Party even stronger, he said, emphasizing that the party will continue her legacy and strive for national progress.
Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office in the capital, Fakhrul said Khaleda's passing at this critical time, when her guidance was most needed, has deeply saddened people.
"That is why they gathered at her namaz-e-janaza, shed tears and prayed for the salvation of her soul. They also left with a strong resolve to fulfil their duty to establish democracy and ensure that the next election is free, fair and neutral. I believe they will make BNP-the force that stands for this country-victorious," he said.
Fakhrul also said people even joined Khaleda Zia's janaza from the rooftops of nearby buildings, reflecting the depth of public affection for the late leader, whom he described as a rare figure in Bangladesh's politics.
"She never compromised on her principles, never compromised on the country's independence and sovereignty, and spent her entire life struggling to establish democracy. She endured imprisonment and hardship, and although she remained ill until her final days, she never left the country. This deep love for the nation, the soil and the people moved everyone," he said.
Replying to a question, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia left behind a strong political legacy.
He said that while BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman bears an important responsibility as her successor, the responsibility equally lies with every leader and activist of the party to uphold the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman and carried forward by Khaleda Zia.
"The flag of Bangladeshi nationalism is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman," Fakhrul said, adding that people expect him to carry this legacy forward by protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, ensuring public security, and working to establish democracy with the support of the people," Fakhrul said.
He also said no formal decision has yet been taken regarding Khaleda Zia's Qulkhawani (post-funeral religious programme), adding that the matter will be discussed later and the media will be informed accordingly.
Earlier, Pir of Charsina Darbar Sharif, Mufti Shah Abu Nasr Nesaruddin Ahmad Hussain, met Fakhrul at the party chairperson's Gulshan office.
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said the void and sorrow created by the death of the party's chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will never be filled.
"Deshnetri Begum Zia established herself as a global leader who sacrificed her life, children, and family for the sake of democracy," he said while talking to media at the BNP Chairperson's office in the capital's Gulshan on Thursday.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer with us today, but she remains in the hearts of the people. She has earned the title 'Mother of Democracy'."
