Pabna, Dec 31 (V7N) — BNP leaders on Tuesday said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will live on forever in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh for her lifelong struggle for democracy and national interest, as she never compromised or abandoned the country despite facing imprisonment, oppression, and persecution.

They made the remarks while speaking at a doa mahfil organised by the Pabna District BNP on Tuesday afternoon, following the death of the party chairperson and three-time former prime minister.

The prayer gathering was held at the BNP district office in the Gopalpur Lahiri Para area of Pabna town, where special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Earlier, as news of her death spread in the morning, party leaders, activists, and members of the public gathered at the district BNP office. They signed the condolence book opened there to express their grief and pay final respects before the doa mahfil was held.

Addressing the gathering, BNP leaders said Khaleda Zia earned global recognition as an uncompromising leader because she was willing to risk her life for the country, its people, and democracy. They noted that despite having opportunities to leave the country during difficult times, she chose to stay and endure imprisonment and repression, standing firmly beside the people of Bangladesh.

Among those present were Pabna District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Masud Khandaker, Senior Joint Convener Abdus Samad Khan Montu, Abdullah Al Mahmud Mannan Master, Joint Convener Anisul Haque Babu, Abu Obaida Sheikh Tuhin, Nur Masum Boga, and Pabna District Jubo Dal Convener Himel Rana, along with leaders and activists of various affiliated organisations.

Earlier in the day, the Pabna District Jubo Dal organised a separate Quran khatm and doa mahfil to pray for the forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia. The programme was attended by Jubo Dal Convener Himel Rana, Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Kamal Sheikh Titu, former General Secretary Masud Rana, BNP leader Shahadat Hossain, Amirul Islam Sobuj, and others.

Special prayers were offered at both programmes, seeking mercy and eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, whom party leaders described as an iconic and unforgettable figure in Bangladesh’s political history.

END/MSR/SMA/