Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. File photo

DHAKA, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BGMEA) today organised a special condolence meeting 
and doa mahfil in memory of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda 
Zia, seeking eternal peace for her departed soul.

The programme was held this afternoon at the Nurul Qader Auditorium of the 
BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka.

Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister, was remembered with deep 
respect for her contributions to democracy, the national economy and the 
development of the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector.

The meeting was presided over by BGMEA Acting President Selim Rahman, said a 
press release.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice Presidents Md Rezwan Selim, 
Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md Shihab Uddoja 
Chowdhury, Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Md Hasib Uddin, Mohammad Abdus 
Salam, Nafis-ud-Doula, Sumaiya Islam, Fahima Akter, Mozumder Arifur Rahman, 
Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, A B M Shamsuddin, Dr Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, 
Mohammad Sohel, Samiha Azim, along with general members and prominent figures 
from the garment sector were present, among others.

At the outset, former BGMEA President Kazi Moniruzzaman and Director Dr 
Rashid Ahmed Hossaini delivered brief speeches, recalling with profound 
respect Begum Khaleda Zia's uncompromising leadership and her role in the 
long struggle to establish democracy in Bangladesh.

In his emotional address, Acting President Selim Rahman said Begum Khaleda 
Zia was an uncompromising leader and a visionary statesperson, as well as a 
true friend of the garment industry.

During the early 1990s, when the RMG sector was still at a nascent stage, her 
government extended various facilities and cash incentives that significantly 
eased the industry's growth, he said, adding, "It was during her tenure that 
Bangladesh's garment exports crossed the one-billion-dollar milestone for the 
first time."

Selim Rahman further noted that during the critical period of the phase-out 
of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) in 2004, Begum Khaleda Zia took timely 
and prudent steps by forming a National Coordination Committee, which helped 
the industry successfully navigate the crisis and strengthen its position in 
the global market.

He also mentioned that her government empowered BGMEA by granting authority 
to issue UD and UP certificates, accelerating business operations. "Her 
initiatives to promote a free-market economy, reduce the cost of doing 
business, simplify trade procedures and introduce stipends for female 
education brought about transformative changes in the country," Selim said.

The programme was conducted by BGMEA Director Dr Rashid Ahmed Hossaini.
A special video documentary highlighting Begum Khaleda Zia's life and 
contributions was screened at the event. It showcased her role in restoring 
democracy, strengthening the economy, empowering women and taking landmark 
initiatives for the expansion of the garment industry.

The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking eternal peace for the 
departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia and welfare for the country and its 
people.