Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Rajshahi University (RU) today held a gaibana janaza for BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the central Jame Mosque of the campus after Juhr prayers.

Assistant Imam of the mosque Hafez Maolana Sahajul Islam led the janaza. RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Farid Uddin Khan, along with teachers, officers and employees of the university, joined the prayers.

Speaking after the janaza, Vice-Chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib said the nation has lost an eminent guardian and a towering stateswoman with the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.

He said she earned the title of "Aposhhin Deshnetri" (the uncompromising national leader) for her role in the anti-autocracy movement, adding that she rose from an ordinary housewife to a leader of millions in response to the call of the time, symbolising national unity.

The VC 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 its people.

He said Begum 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.

Quoting her address to the nation following the post-2024 mass uprising, Prof Naquib recalled her call to rebuild a prosperous Bangladesh from the ruins of a destroyed democracy.

He said she left behind a message of unity based on tolerance, restraint, love, peace and knowledge, rejecting destruction and revenge.

The RU Vice-Chancellor extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.