Kamrul Hasan : At a time when Bangladesh’s national political discourse is once again centering on democratic restoration amid ongoing political tensions, a memorial meeting, prayer gathering and food distribution programme was held in Manikganj seeking eternal peace for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia—BNP Chairperson, former three-time Prime Minister, and widely regarded as the “Mother of Democracy.”
The programme took place on Thursday (8 January) afternoon at the Manikganj District Council Auditorium. Organised by the Manikganj District Jatiyatabadi Tarek Parishad, the event concluded with the distribution of food among orphans, street children, the underprivileged and the destitute.
Representing Afroza Khanam Rita, convenor of the district BNP and BNP-nominated candidate for the Manikganj-3 constituency, district BNP convening committee member Golam Abedin Kaiser attended the programme. In his address, he said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is not merely a leader of a political party; she is a symbol of democracy, freedom and sovereignty. It is our responsibility to present her contributions to the new generation.”
The memorial meeting was presided over by Mohammad Babul Shikder Babu, president of the district Jatiyatabadi Tarek Parishad. Speakers included district BNP convening committee member Asaduzzaman Khan Dolon, central Jatiyatabadi Tarek Parishad joint organising secretary Mohammad Nurnabi Khan, along with leaders from various affiliated and associate organisations.
Among those present were Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman, vice-president of the district Sramik Dal; Sakhawat Hossain, organising secretary; Mohammad Rakiul Islam Khan Rumel, senior vice-president of the Jatiyatabadi Tarek Parishad; vice-presidents Mohammad Nawab Ali, Kazi Shakil Ahmed and Hasibul Hasan Jony; general secretary Md. Abul Hossain; joint general secretaries Mohammad Alek Sikder and Md. Mobarak Hossain Jewel; organising secretary Md. Sohel Rana; joint organising secretaries Md. Faruk Hossain and Md. Sohanur Rahman Sohan; as well as Mohammad Sekendar Bhandari, president of the Sadar Upazila Tarek Parishad, former joint convenor Opi Hossain Babu, and numerous leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations.
Following the memorial meeting, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, good health and long life for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and peace, stability and prosperity for the country.
After the prayer session, the organisers distributed food among orphans, street children, and disadvantaged and helpless people. Members of the public welcomed the initiative, describing it as a meaningful expression of social responsibility.