BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan spoak as the chief guest at a prayer congregation organized to seek forgiveness for the soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan today said that many prime ministers have come in the history of Bangladesh, but no one has departed with the honor and dignity  like stateswoman Begum Khaleda Zia . This is history, this is an example, he said.

Khan said, "people across the country, regardless of party affiliations, class or profession, have been deeply saddened by the death of Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30. Millions of people wept over her death, and the largest Janaza (funeral prayer) in history was held."

Nazrul Islam Khan  made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a prayer congregation organized to seek forgiveness for the soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia organized by the Nationalist Expatriate Returnee Workers' Dal at the National Press Club in the city. 

Praying for the forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia's soul, the Standing Committee Member said, may the Most Merciful Allah grant her Jannatul Ferdous (the highest paradise).

Nazrul Islam Khan said, "If you love people, people love you back; if you work for the people, people love you; and if you work for the country, the people of the country show respect. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and stateswoman Begum Khaleda Zia are the finest examples of it."

He said that Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia deeply loved the country and its people. "She worked to ensure lasting welfare for people of all classes, professions, religions, races, and political beliefs. She emphasized permanent welfare measures over temporary solutions."

Nazrul Islam Khan said that one of Khaleda Zia's major contributions to the welfare of expatriate 
workers was the establishment of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. He said, "Through this, a permanent state structure has been built for expatriates, which includes a ministry, manpower, and a budget. Expatriates not only contribute significantly to the country's economy but also act as representatives of Bangladesh in the world."

He said that expatriate workers toil in the extreme heat of deserts, severe cold, or challenging environments and return home with hard-earned money. However, if that money cannot be utilized for their future welfare, they become destitute within a short time.

Convener of the Bangladesh Nationalist Expatriate Returnee Workers' Dal Zakir Hossain Kajal presided over the event while BNP Chairman's Advisor and former MP Nazim Uddin Alam, President of Nationalist Workers' Dal Md. Anwar Hossain, BNP Joint Labour Affairs Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir Khan, General Secretary of Workers' Dal Nurul Islam Khan Nasim, Co-President Abul Kalam Azad, among others, took part in the event.