BNP holds mourning rally in New York in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia

A special prayer meeting was held on Monday evening at the initiative of the US BNP to pray for the eternal peace of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the good health of Tarique Rahman.

BNP leader Giasuddin presided over the event at a party hall in Woodside, New York City. Speaking as the chief guest, BNP Central Executive Committee member Abdul Latif Samrat recalled his long political career and the various activities and directions he had with Begum Zia while serving as the US BNP president. He said, with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, those who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism have lost a true leader. This loss can never be compensated.

The main speaker of the memorial rally held after the prayer service, US BNP founding joint secretary and mainstream politician Akhtar Hossain Badal, said, "During the visit of Begum Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who won the election held after the fall of the dictator Ershad in the 1990s movement, I requested the establishment of Sonali Exchange during her visit to New York. Madam responded to that request and instructed the then Finance Minister Saifur Rahman, and our demand was fulfilled in 1994. Not only that, but as a complement to the expectations of expatriates, Biman flights were also launched on the Dhaka-New York route during the first term of our most respected leader, Khaleda Zia.

In other words, the uncompromising leader Begum Zia was also kind to the expatriates."

The condolence and remembrance rally began with a welcome speech by BNP leader Mosharraf Hossain Sabuj. Moderated by Firoz Ahmed, the event was attended by special guests, including BNP leaders Manjur Chowdhury, Kazi Azam, Mahfuzul Maula Nanna, Basit Rahman, MA Khalek, Jubo Dal central leader MA Batin, Muktijoddha Dal secretary Golam Hossain, Bronx Community Board member and BNP leader Shahjahan Sheikh, US JASS member secretary Jahangir Suhrawardy, US Chhatra Dal president Mazharul Islam Joni, and Mohila Dal leader Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, among others.

Other prominent figures present included Moinuddin Naser, Khandaker Farhad and Dr. Shawkat Ali.