Begum Khaleda Zia’s return was nothing short of regal. After four months of medical treatment in London, the country’s most popular political leader returned home on Tuesday. There was no space to spare from the airport to her residence in Gulshan. Hundreds of thousands of people showered her with greetings. Most of those lining the streets had no political affiliation. They were proud citizens of a democracy-loving Bangladesh and stood to pay their respects to Begum Khaleda Zia.
Her majestic return is a lesson for all—especially for Bangladeshi politicians. Not only for politicians, the overwhelming public reception and love she received on Tuesday provide takeaways for everyone.
First, no one can earn respect by force. No law can bestow honour on someone. Respect comes from people spontaneously. It stems from your work, your beliefs, and how you live your life. People observe these things and form their judgment. Whether they admire or despise you is a decision that comes from their hearts. When you try to gain respect through force, it does not last. Begum Khaleda Zia’s political journey over the past 17 years revealed this truth. Over these years, some have tried to unjustifiably honour others but ended up disgracing them instead. Everyone has their place in history—it cannot be forced. You cannot make someone a legend, nor can you erase someone from history. Begum Zia did not pass laws to demand love. She did not seek forced reverence. She stayed behind the scenes and remained silent. And it is this quiet strength—her resilience, courage, and endurance in the face of injustice—that moved people’s hearts and earned their respect.
The second lesson from her extraordinary return is patience. Everyone must learn to wait. Rushing into things does not help. If we analyse the BNP’s political stance under her leadership, we will see that for the past 17 years, the BNP has suffered persecution, torture, and oppression. There is hardly a BNP leader who has not been harassed, imprisoned, or targeted by lawsuits. Yet despite all this, the BNP has not lost patience. It did not take an aggressive route. It avoided arson and anarchy, choosing instead to organise people peacefully.
This is the politics of Khaleda Zia. She is one of the most oppressed political figures not only in Bangladesh but perhaps in global politics. She was imprisoned for two years without conviction, kept in solitary confinement, and subjected to inhumane torture. Yet the BNP resisted all of this peacefully, standing with the people. Through this relentless sacrifice, Begum Zia has become an invincible living legend. It is the people who placed her at the peak of popularity. This teaches us there are no shortcuts in politics. Patience is essential. Time will determine your path.
Third, her massive public support offers another vital lesson—remaining steadfast in one’s ideals. Begum Zia’s greatest strength as a politician is her firm adherence to principles. After the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, a valiant freedom fighter and proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, she entered politics during a challenging time. Amid conspiracies against the BNP, she took on the leadership to protect the country and the party, following the will of the people. Since 1983, she has never strayed from her ideals. She gained early popularity because of her uncompromising nature. In 1986, she could have contested the sham elections, become an MP, and perhaps spared her party from tyranny. But she chose the harder path. She swam against the tide and helped bring down autocracy, which led to her election in 1991.
Again in 2007, during the notorious 1/11 conspiracy, Begum Zia did not compromise. Reviewing documents from that period reveals she was its most oppressed victim. When a mother sees both her sons taken away and herself imprisoned, what could be more tormenting? Yet she stood firm and did not bow her head. She protested peacefully and clung to her ideals. This is her politics. She was offered exile abroad, but she rejected it with disdain. She and her family endured persecution for the sake of the country. This is a powerful lesson for politicians—you must uphold your values and remain unwavering in your beliefs. She is a shining example of principled politics. In Bangladesh, we often see leaders act one way in opposition and become tyrannical when in power. But Khaleda Zia has never veered from her beliefs.
Finally, sacrifice is necessary for success. Khaleda Zia is the only politician who has achieved everything in her struggling life through sacrifice. She is the symbol of selfless politics in Bangladesh. After enduring years of oppression, she went abroad to seek medical treatment and be with her family. She could have stayed in London, enjoying comfort with her children and grandchildren. But driven by her love for the motherland, she returned. She is that rare politician who, even under pressure, never abandoned her country. Why did she return now? Only to realise the dreams nurtured by her ideals and reconnect with the people. These are the people who gave her the title “Mother of the Nation,” and it is their embrace she seeks time and again.
The message from her return is clear—she remains the most significant figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Today, she is the most popular name in politics and a symbol of national unity. If anyone still tries to sideline her or eliminate her party through conspiracies, the people will stand with unbreakable unity. This was proven on Tuesday. The overwhelming and spontaneous participation of the people welcoming her made it clear—they want democracy. They want to see a true leader in a democratic Bangladesh. The sooner this message is understood, the better for all. Her popularity is as vast as the Himalayas and as deep as the Bay of Bengal. When this beloved leader calls, the people are ready to respond—Tuesday’s massive turnout proved that.
Begum Khaleda Zia is not just a politician—she is a role model and a revered figure. In a time when principled people are rare in Bangladesh, she stands as a beacon of integrity—for everyone and for future generations. Hopefully, all will take heed of the message carried by a sea of people on Tuesday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
