Barakat Ullah Bulu, Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has stated that BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is deserving of a Nobel Prize. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while delivering the keynote speech at the Burichang Upazila BNP conference in Comilla.

Bulu highlighted Khaleda Zia’s significant role in the evolution and cultural development of rural Bangladeshi women. He said: “Begum Khaleda Zia has been pivotal in empowering the mothers and sisters of rural Bengal. She is fully deserving of a Nobel Prize. The evolution and cultural advancement of rural women is directly attributable to her initiatives. Upon taking office in 1991, she introduced free education for girls and provided scholarships. Some asked me at the time, ‘What about the boys?’ I relayed this to Khaleda Zia, and she replied, ‘The girls who are educated today will become the mothers of tomorrow. In families where the mother is educated, the children too become educated.’ This visionary decision has played a leading role in transforming rural women’s lives and cultural outlook.”

Bulu also credited Khaleda Zia’s unyielding leadership for the success of the 1990 mass uprising. “Following the uprising, the military could have seized power, but they did not, as our armed forces are patriotic and the legacy of the Liberation War. In 1991, a fair election was held, and Begum Khaleda Zia became the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”

Addressing the political landscape, Bulu remarked on Awami League’s history: “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, through the formation of BAKSAL, had banned all political parties. Later, Ziaur Rahman came to power and allowed new political parties to be formed. Abdul Malek Ukil requested permission from President Ziaur Rahman to reorganise the Awami League, without which the party would not exist today.”

Bulu added: “Many domestic and foreign powers have stood against the BNP. Due to geopolitical factors, the world’s attention is on Bangladesh. Despite this, we must protect the country, and the BNP has no alternative. We do not believe in extremist politics. Those who deny the 1971 Liberation War and do not recognise the independence declaration of Martyr President Ziaur Rahman have no right to vote or engage in politics in Bangladesh.”

The conference was inaugurated by Zakaria Taher Sumon, BNP Central Secretary for Employment Affairs and Convener of Comilla South District BNP.

Other notable speakers included:

The conference featured speeches emphasising Khaleda Zia’s contributions to women’s empowerment, education, and national leadership.