Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has described the leadership qualities, political vision and humanitarian values of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia as beyond full description, saying her contributions to the country cannot be captured in words alone.
Speaking on Saturday at a condolence meeting held in her honour, Dr Moyeen Khan said Khaleda Zia’s personality, political foresight and deep connection with the people of Bangladesh set her apart as a leader. He said that even extended discussion would fall short of fully reflecting her character, ideals and lifelong dedication to public service.
The event was organised by the World Human Rights Organisation Bangladesh at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club to pray for the forgiveness of the former prime minister’s soul. Advocate Mahbub Hossain, president of the Lawyers Association and World Human Rights Organisation Bangladesh, presided over the programme.
Recalling his personal association with Khaleda Zia, Dr Moyeen Khan said he was serving as a teacher at Dhaka University when she encouraged him to join politics during the 1991 general election. He said she later entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the Planning Ministry on three separate occasions.
Dr Moyeen Khan said Khaleda Zia allowed him complete freedom to work and never interfered in his duties. He said he could not recall a single instance in which she issued instructions for personal or political gain, adding that her leadership taught him the value of humility even while holding the highest offices of the state.
He described Khaleda Zia as a leader who rejected politics driven by revenge and consistently upheld democratic principles and the rule of law. According to him, she placed great importance on consultation, listening carefully to ministers, advisers and subject experts before taking decisions, while always keeping the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
Dr Moyeen Khan said Khaleda Zia introduced a new political culture in Bangladesh based on compassion and respect, rather than division or hostility. He added that her approach helped shape a more people-oriented style of politics.
Referring to the legal cases brought against her, he said nearly 47 cases were filed during her political career, many of which he described as false. Despite this, he said Khaleda Zia always chose to respond through legal channels and never acted outside the framework of the law.
Dr Moyeen Khan concluded that Khaleda Zia transcended the conventional definition of a politician, saying her thoughts, actions and affection for the people of Bangladesh had established her as a true stateswoman whose legacy would endure beyond political boundaries.
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