Khaleda Zia Returns to Election Arena After 17 Years, Sends Unity Message

After 17 years, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is returning to the election arena. She has received party nominations for three constituencies across three districts. Following this announcement, party leaders and supporters in these constituencies have expressed great excitement. According to party sources, nominating Khaleda Zia sends a special message and provides an opportunity for party members to unite. As the party chairperson participates directly in the elections, leaders will receive her guidance, which will help strengthen the party’s position and prevent divisions.

Khaleda Zia has been an unbeaten figure in election history. She has won every election she has contested. There had been doubts about her participation due to health issues, which were cleared by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s announcement. In the upcoming elections, Khaleda Zia will contest from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3, and Bogura-7.

Senior leaders say her unwavering and firm leadership is widely accepted among the public. She is particularly popular among rural women. She is considered the main driving force of BNP’s campaign. Campaign strategies will be designed around her leadership. If physically fit, she may also actively participate in the campaign. The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) has announced that no opposing candidates will be fielded in her constituencies out of respect.

Khaleda Zia has never lost an election. In 1991, she first contested in five constituencies and won all. She also won all seats she contested in 1996, 2001, and 2008. In 2008, she won three constituencies.

Following the nomination announcement, party members expressed immense excitement. Celebratory processions and gatherings were held in Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3. Party offices were filled with festive energy. In Dinajpur, BNP organized a large procession from the historic Shaheed Boro Maidan, attended by a vast number of leaders and supporters.

Khaleda Zia has led BNP for 45 consecutive years and served as Prime Minister three times. She entered politics after the death of her husband, former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. She led movements against the autocratic Ershad regime. During the 2007 one-eleven military government, her family faced persecution. She participated in the 2008 election, winning three seats. In 2009, she was forcibly evicted from her home by the Hasina administration. In 2015, she lost her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. In 2018, she was imprisoned under false corruption charges and suffered from various illnesses. In 2020, she was temporarily released during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has remained an uncompromising and inspirational leader in democratic movements, opposing authoritarian rule.

Khaborwala/TSN