Democracy still being obstructed at every step: Khaleda Zia

Last Updated on May 29, 2025 9:34 pm

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said the uninterrupted journey of democracy in Bangladesh continues to face obstacles at every step.

She made the remarks while virtually addressing an event today (29 May) marking the death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

“In the fight to establish democracy and protect sovereignty, for which Shaheed Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life, the democratic journey remains hindered even today,” said the former prime minister.

Expressing hope for the country’s political future, she stated, “Very soon, we will see Bangladesh re-established in democracy. Let that be our pledge on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zia.”

She called upon BNP leaders and activists at all levels, as well as the people of the country, to move forward in a disciplined and united way to achieve that goal.

Khaleda further said, “We must remember that the politics of democracy and development for all, which Zia left behind as a solution to all problems, must be implemented to truly honour him. We pray for the salvation of his departed soul.”

Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP in 1978, was assassinated by a group of army officers at the Chittagong Circuit House on 30 May 1981.

Recalling the day of Zia’s death, Khaleda said, “This day in May brings back deeply painful memories for our family every year. But it was not just our family — the entire nation was grief-stricken and suddenly left without leadership.”

“Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, a name inseparably tied to the birth of our beloved motherland, declared independence from Chattogram and made his name synonymous with Bangladesh itself. In that very Chattogram, he sacrificed his life as a successful, honest, visionary, and true patriot,” she said.

During her 2 minutes and 59 seconds long speech, she also described Zia as “the architect of democracy, independence, press freedom, judicial independence, self-reliance, development, and the creation of a unique sense of nationalism” in Bangladesh.

As part of Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary, black flags will be hoisted atop all BNP offices, including its Nayapaltan headquarters, around the country at 6am tomorrow (30 May). The party flag will be kept at half-mast.

Leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies will place wreaths at Zia’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30am on the same day.

They will also offer fateha at Zia’s grave and participate in a doa and milad mahfil, praying for the salvation of the soul of the BNP founder.