Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Vice Chairman of BNP and convener of the Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA), has described Begum Khaleda Zia as a rare symbol of national unity. He noted that she rose from being a homemaker to a stateswoman, bringing people together through her multifaceted contributions, and will always remain in the hearts of the nation. Dudu made these remarks on Wednesday, January 14, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during a tribute organized by DUAA to honor the founder of BNP, the late President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

He said, “Whenever the issues of democracy, patriotism, and sincere service to the people arise in Bangladesh, people must remember Khaleda Zia. She has always stood by the people, especially farmers, workers, and the laboring masses. She fought tirelessly on the streets to establish democracy.”

Under the leadership of Dudu and DUAA Secretary ATM Abdul Bari Dany, the association’s members offered floral tributes at the graves of the late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by recitation of Fatiha prayers. During the ceremony, prayers were offered for the forgiveness of their souls. Subsequently, Dudu and the Secretary signed the condolence book.

ATM Abdul Bari Dany, Secretary of DUAA, also remarked, “Begum Khaleda Zia was a symbol of democracy in Bangladesh, the ‘Mother of Democracy.’ Every democratic-minded person feels her absence. We, the Dhaka University Alumni Association, are deeply mournful. She will continue to inspire us.”

Senior members of the Dhaka University Alumni Association, including Syed Aminur Rahman Michael, Kamal Uddin Jasim, Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Rashid Ahmed Mamun, Md. Bayezid Bostami, Md. Twaha, Dr. Md. Shariful Islam Dulu, Gopal Chandra Debnath, and Mohammad Saiful Islam, were also present at the ceremony.