BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has likened the political struggle and sacrifices of former prime minister Khaleda Zia to those of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, saying she never compromised on democracy despite immense pressure.
Addressing a civic mourning meeting in honour of Khaleda Zia in Chattogram on Saturday, Amir Khosru said that just as Martin Luther King stood firm in the face of persecution and Nelson Mandela endured long years of imprisonment without abandoning his ideals, Khaleda Zia consistently sacrificed for the people’s right to vote and for democracy in Bangladesh.
He described Khaleda Zia’s emergence in Bangladesh politics and her prolonged struggle as a unique chapter in the country’s political history.
Referring to her rise from a housewife to an uncompromising leader, Amir Khosru said she spent most of her life engaged in political movements.
“Many believe she remained in power for a long time, but in reality she governed for only about 10 to 11 years, while spending nearly 30 years outside power, continuing movements on the streets,” he said, adding that while many politicians retreat as political circumstances change, Khaleda Zia never bowed to pressure.
Calling her sacrifices a lasting legacy for democracy, Amir Khosru said the values she upheld must be preserved by the nation.
He said the torch of democracy left behind by Khaleda Zia is now in the hands of BNP’s chairman Tarique Rahman, and carrying it forward is the responsibility of every citizen.
The meeting was chaired by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain and attended by political leaders, professionals and civil society members.
Speakers included Indian Assistant High Commissioner Dr Rajib Ranjan, BNP leaders Golam Akbar Khandaker and SM Fazlul Haque, BFUJ General Secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury, Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Convener Ershad Ullah, and Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, among others.
Academics, journalists, political activists and representatives of various organisations were also present at the programme.
