Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit of the Nationalist Teachers, Officers and Employees Forum observed a black badge–wearing programme to express deep mourning over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Tuesday.
The programme took place at around 11:30 AM at the university’s Shaheed Minar premises, where more than a hundred leaders and activists of the forum gathered to pay tribute to the late leader.
At the event, speakers said that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was not only a leader of a single party but had become a guardian of the entire nation. Moderated by Professor Jamal Uddin, general secretary of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum, the speakers added that her uncompromising leadership would keep her memorable in the hearts of the people of this country.
Addressing the programme, JU Nationalist Teachers Forum President Professor Md Shamsul Alam said, "Begum Khaleda Zia was a soft-spoken, tolerant and humane leader who served as a guardian of the nation."
He noted that despite enduring years of oppression and injustice over the past 16 years, she never expressed resentment toward anyone.
"She was forced out of her beloved home but never thought of leaving the country, as she loved this land deeply. She devoted her life to the struggle for democracy, endured imprisonment multiple times and emerged as a symbol of uncompromising democratic leadership," he said.
At the gathering, expressing his solidarity, JU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Mahfuzur Rahman said, "We are deeply saddened by the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. As a three-time prime minister, she made significant contributions to the country and to democracy."
He further said that the university administration suspended all classes and examinations after receiving the tragic news and observed mourning by wearing black badges.
"On behalf of the university family, we pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family," he added.
Among others, JU Treasurer Professor Dr Abdur Rab, Proctor Professor Dr A K M Rashidul Alam, Convener of the Nationalist Teachers, Officers and Employees Forum Professor Dr Mafruhi Sattar, along with a large number of teachers, officers and employees, were present at the programme.
Notably, Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 AM on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
JHJ/NSA
