Tarique Rahman, the eldest son and acting chairman of the BNP, has expressed deep grief over the death of former three-time prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In an emotional message, he said that his mother dedicated her entire life to the welfare of the country and its people.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon, Tarique Rahman called Begum Khaleda Zia not just a political leader but also an endless guide to Bangladesh’s democratic path. He described her death at the capital’s Evercare Hospital this morning as an irreplaceable void in the country’s politics.
In his message, Tarique Rahman called Khaleda Zia the ‘mother of democracy’ and the ‘mother of Bangladesh’ and said, “Today, the country has lost a guardian who fought uncompromisingly against tyranny and hegemony throughout her life. Beyond her political identity, she was a compassionate refuge and source of strength for the family.”
Stating that his indomitable courage and patriotism remained unwavering despite long imprisonment, medical deprivation and various persecutions, Tarique Rahman said that he made extreme sacrifices in his personal life to protect the interests of the country. He also expressed the hope that his contribution to the struggle for independence, sovereignty and democracy will be remembered forever.
At the end of the message, Tarique Rahman sought the prayers of the countrymen for the repose of his mother’s soul and expressed gratitude for the love and sympathy that surrounded the family during this time of mourning.