Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS)- Local units of BNP and its front organizations 
held a doa mahfil seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of former 
three-times Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Rajshahi City Unit of BNP organized the doa mahfil at Batar More in the city 
this afternoon.

BNP nominated candidate for Rajshahi-2 parliamentary constituency Mijanur 
Rahman Minu addressed the meeting as the chief guest with the city unit 
president Mamun Or Rashid in the chair.

BNP nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1 seat Major General (Retd) Sharif 
Uddin, BNP nominated candidate for Rajshahi-3 seat Advocate Shafiqul Haque 
Milon and city unit general secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Roton also spoke.

Mijanur Rahman Minu said the nation has lost an important political guardian 
with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, saying he is deeply saddened and shocked 
by her demise.
 
He termed her demise as the departure of a legend in the history of 
Bangladesh, adding that the void created by her passing would never be 
filled.

Sharif Uddin said the nation has lost an eminent guardian and a towering 
stateswoman with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia. 

He said Begum Khaleda Zia earned the title of "Aposhhin Deshnetri" (the 
uncompromising national leader) from the countrymen for her role in the anti-
autocracy movement. From an ordinary housewife, she rose to become the leader 
of millions in response to the demands of time, symbolizing national unity, 
he added.
 
Maj Gen (Retd) Sharif Uddin, who was the military secretary of Premier 
Khaleda Zia, noted that Begum Khaleda Zia upheld liberal aspirations and 
democratic values throughout her political life and remained steadfast in 
protecting the rights of the country, its soil and people. 
 
Begum Khaleda Zia was a unique source of inspiration in personal conduct and 
social values, and remained courageous and vocal in safeguarding 
independence, sovereignty and national interests, he continued.