Khaleda Zia, beloved by millions and widely revered, battles for her life in the hospital as the nation watches with anxiety, tears, and prayers. Many are fasting for her recovery.
Outside the hospital, countless people gather for a glimpse of their mother, a living symbol of love. Her illness has united the nation. The deep respect, affection, unconditional love, honor, and dignity shown to her have elevated her to a unique stature.
The day she was forcibly evicted from her cantonment residence by an authoritarian government, the world witnessed her tears—a heartbreaking moment that could only be caused by heartless, conscience-less, and merciless people.
On 7 February 2018, she shared a tragic chapter of her life with the nation, saying: “I lost my husband at a young age. In prison, I lost my mother. While confined in office, I lost my young son. Another child was disabled through torture abroad. In my life without family, the people of the nation became my kin.”
The 1/11 government had plotted to sideline her, a misfortune for the nation. The inhumane torture inflicted on her children surpasses even medieval barbarity. Where are those perpetrators today? The people have rejected them with disdain. In contrast, Khaleda Zia shines like a bright star in the hearts of all who support democracy.
Moreover, the Sheikh Hasina government, out of envy, subjected her to mental and physical torture without cause, bringing sorrow to the nation. Her inhumane treatment and schemes to remove her from this world are now causing her suffering. Today, she lies in the hospital at the brink of life and death. Yet Khaleda Zia lives on, and through her work, she will continue to live in the hearts of millions.
Begum Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November. As her condition deteriorated, she was moved to the ICU on 27 November. The entire nation is in shock. Many have offered to donate lungs or kidneys, saying if she survives, 180 million people will benefit. This reflects the deep love, care, and respect the people have for her—a love earned by her lifelong dedication to the nation.
Begum Zia has spoken against Indian hegemony and fought for democracy against the authoritarian Ershad and Hasina governments. She has never compromised with injustice. Greed and temptation never touched her. She is an uncompromising leader, a selfless and noble example of patriotism. The nation’s love for her is deep and unconditional, and her name will be engraved in history in golden letters.
On 2 July, during the Liberation War, she was captured by the Pakistanis along with her two children, while the martyred President Ziaur Rahman fought on the battlefield, sacrificing family ties for the country and its people. The Pakistani junta subjected Khaleda Zia to mental torment, while Sheikh Hasina remained in a Dhaka residence, receiving security and ration from the Pakistani army. Even Sajeeb Wazed Joy was born in the cantonment hospital. Today, this great woman, who spent her life in struggle and suffering, lies in a hospital bed, weakened by illness.
Since 1981, she has fought for democracy, earning the title “Pioneer of Democracy.” During Sheikh Hasina’s rule, she endured wrongful imprisonment and injustice. She was kept in extreme neglect, deprived of proper medical care. People from all walks of life pray for her recovery. Religious scholars, including Delawar Hossain Saidi, have praised her as a successful prime minister. Such a life is truly a source of pride and honor.
Khaleda Zia has always been a just and humble personality. It is known that when a secretary brought a file to remove Dr Wazed Miah from his job, she intervened, instructing the minister to ensure the secretary performed his duties properly. Records also show her phone conversations with Ahmad Shafi. She is a person of great stature and magnanimity, unmatched in her own right.
At a time when the nation is passing through extreme fatigue, people have realized her absence. Her presence and well-being are of utmost importance. The people call her “Mother of the Nation,” whose very presence inspires life and courage, as witnessed during the cantonment events.
The current government has declared her an important state figure, granting her rightful honor and status. The nation is pleased. Security has been ensured. O Allah, do not turn away the prayers of millions who shed tears for this multi-virtued leader. Return our mother to us. Ameen.
Writer: Professor, Mohammadpur Central College
