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the ideals of democracy will not only remain but reignite.
The nation mourns Khaleda Zia’s passing, and this newspaper joins the people in paying tribute to the leader who devoted her life to strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. As the many world and regional leaders express their condolences at this crucial loss for us, we renew our pledge, in her memory, to rebuild all the relevant institutions that are needed to make democracy functional. This is our moment to unite to build Bangladesh.
Her first term in office -- from 1991 to 1996 -- was among the freest for media for which we also pay her tribute.
For all her struggles and sacrifices, she did not get her due in life. Her internment -- in jail and under house arrest for over seven and a half years -- was a case of misuse of law. The treatment meted out to her during her confinement was undignified for a politician of her stature -- three times elected prime minister -- and the solitary confinement that she was made to suffer for around two years was cruel and inhuman.
She was thrust into politics by the assassination of her husband, president Ziaur Rahman, founder of the BNP, which left the party leaderless. Shy, self‑effacing, and wholly unaccustomed to the world of politics, she nevertheless steadily and firmly left her mark on both her party and Bangladesh’s political landscape. Her defining trait -- an unwillingness to compromise on opportunistic grounds -- was a core factor behind the BNP’s electoral victory in the 1991 election.
Though her contribution to the anti-Ershad movement during the 80s was singular, her election victory in 1991 was transformative. It marked Khaleda Zia’s emergence as a political leader with special qualities, qualities of steadfastness and a clear vision of what she wanted to do. BNP’s political records during the anti-Ershad movement, to be completely credited to Khaleda Zia’s repeated refusal to succumb to Ershad’s proposal of compromise, gave the party and its leader a new place in people’s hearts that here was a leader who meant what she said and never wavered in spite of offers of lucrative gains.
Apparently, she was not prepared to be the prime minister in 1991, but when she was elected, she rose to the occasion and acted like one. She was dignified, sensitive, open to differing views, respectful of her senior party leaders and fully aware of the enormity of her task at hand. She knew that she had a lot to learn and was open to the process.
Her real test of political maturity came when she accepted the opposition Awami League’s demand for introducing the parliamentary form of government in place of the existing presidential one. Considering our political legacy and preference of the people, she accepted the opposition’s demand. This showed an openness and ability to accept views that she did not herself propagate. This was a rare instance in Bangladesh politics and marked an opening for collaboration between the ruling and the opposition parties. Sadly the opposition did not see this as an opportunity to strengthen the parliamentary system but used it to relentlessly harass the ruling party as we later saw through incessant hartals.
As we mourn her loss, we must reflect on her commitment to the growth and development of Bangladesh and unite behind her legacy to take the country forward. We have too much uncertainty and instability facing us today. Let us take this tragic moment to truly unite behind a legacy of patriotism, love for the country and commitment to its people.