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Ahmadul Kobir, Kuala Lumpur: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Malaysia and its affiliated and associate organisations observed the 82nd birth anniversary of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with a discussion and prayer programme in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night.
The programme was held after Isha prayers on August 15 at the hall of Pithaghar Restaurant in Bukit Bintang.
Speakers at the event recalled Khaleda Zia’s political career, her role in the movement for democracy and her advocacy for the rights of the people of Bangladesh.
They said her commitment to the country, uncompromising leadership, courage and political acumen helped establish her as one of Bangladesh’s leading political figures.
The programme was chaired by BNP Malaysia Vice-President Talha Mahmud, while BNP Central Executive Committee member and BNP Malaysia General Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain attended as the chief guest. BNP Malaysia Organising Secretary Mirza Salha Uddin moderated the event.
Among those who addressed the discussion were BNP Malaysia Vice-President Dr SM Rahman Tanu, Jamalpur Sadar BNP General Secretary Ruhul Amin Milon, Office Secretary Md Aminul Islam Ratan, Professor and PhD researcher Safiur Rahman, Jubo Dal Malaysia President Md Jasim Uddin, Vice-Presidents Md Nazmul Hasan and Sheikh Md Selim, JASAS Convener Asaduzzaman Masum, Jubo Dal Publicity Secretary Badal Karar and volunteer leader Golam Kabir.
The speakers said Khaleda Zia rose from being a homemaker to become one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political leaders through her political commitment, patriotism and leadership.
They credited her with playing an important role in the restoration of multi-party democracy and in movements aimed at establishing people’s political rights.
They also said Khaleda Zia remained steadfast in her political convictions despite facing imprisonment, political challenges and what they described as persecution throughout her career.
Her connection with ordinary people and commitment to the country, they said, would continue to inspire future generations.
The speakers expressed confidence in the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and said the party was working in unity under his leadership with the vision of “Bangladesh First” to build a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh.
Prayers offered
Following the discussion, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the souls of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and Arafat Rahman Koko.
Prayers were also offered for the good health and long life of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. The prayer was led by Maulana Md Abu Taher, Khatib of Bukit Bintang Bangla Mosque.
A large number of BNP leaders and activists from Malaysia and its affiliated and associate organisations attended the programme, including BNP Malaysia Vice-President Abdul Jalil Liton, Sports Secretary Md Arif Hossain, Bukit Bintang BNP President Anwar Hossain Selim, General Secretary Sohel Rana Azad, Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Helal Shikder, Jubo Dal Organising Secretary Russell Rana, Joint Organising Secretary Saidur Rahman Babu, student leader Adib Anjam, youth leader Ali Sharif and JASAS leader Faisal.