Kamrul Hasan : Afroza Khanum Rita, a member of the Advisory Council of the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), convener of the Manikganj district BNP, chairman of Munna Group of Industries, and the BNP-nominated candidate for Manikganj-3 constituency, departed for Saudi Arabia from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, at 1:50 AM on 14th November to perform Umrah.
Her first destination was Jeddah Airport, where she landed at 6:00 AM. At the airport, leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Forum in Saudi Arabia, including Manikganj district branch president Harunur Rashid and general secretary Kazi Nazmul, along with other BNP and allied organization leaders, warmly welcomed and congratulated her.
Political analysts have noted that despite the country’s current political instability, ongoing electoral preparations, and organizational responsibilities, this spiritual journey further strengthens her ethical and responsible leadership.
According to close sources, from the very first day, Afroza Khanum Rita has been consistently engaged in worship, Tawaf, Dua, and Nafl prayers. Her six-day itinerary includes three days in Jeddah and three days in Madinah. After performing Umrah in Makkah, she will visit various sacred and notable sites in Madinah.
Statements by Afroza Khanum Rita In a brief conversation with journalists at the airport, she said:
“The core purpose of my political life is to safeguard the welfare and rights of the people. I pray to Allah to grant me steadfastness on the path of truth, justice, and humanity, and the wisdom to make the right decisions for the benefit of my countrymen.”
She added: “Politics is never about power. It is a platform for responsibility, ethics, and serving the people. This spiritual journey is preparing me to be a thoughtful and resolute leader.”
Highlighting the importance of prudence and morality in today’s political climate, she further stated:
“Spiritual purity during times of crisis matures our judgment. Leadership is not only about external strength but equally about inner ethics and responsibility.”
Political Analysts’ Perspective
Analysts emphasize that in a tense electoral environment, a leader’s mental balance and ethical preparation are essential. Afroza Khanum Rita’s spiritual retreat is strategically enhancing her principle-based leadership and perspective.
For her, politics is not a battlefield for power; it is a means of promoting humanity, service, and ethical responsibility. Her focus remains on the welfare of people in remote areas of Manikganj, the safety of women, opportunities for the younger generation, and the protection of migrant workers.
Party sources indicate that upon returning to Bangladesh, she will concentrate on organizational restructuring, electoral preparation, youth and women empowerment, skill development, community engagement for social development, and planning guided by ethical leadership.
Prayers and Spiritual Commitment
Amid the sacred calm of Makkah, Afroza Khanum Rita offered special prayers for the speedy recovery of party leader Begum Khaleda Zia, the health and longevity of national leader Tarique Rahman, and the country’s development, prosperity, protection of citizens from the clutches of fascist elements, and peace throughout Bangladesh.
Party sources expect that through visiting sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah and gaining spiritual insight, she will return to the country with renewed determination and ethical leadership.
“Leadership is not about power — it is about responsibility; not about popularity — but humanity; not about slogans — but a commitment to truth.”
Afroza Khanum Rita’s spiritual journey has already earned widespread appreciation and discussion within Bangladesh’s political sphere, being regarded as a symbol of her ethical and humanitarian leadership.
