The clouds of political uncertainty that had loomed over Bangladesh since the eve of Eid began to clear following a crucial meeting in London. At the heart of this breakthrough stands none other than Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Though away from public view due to illness, her influence remains unmatched. Revered across political divides, she is seen by many as the true guardian of the nation.
On 6 June, just before Eid-ul-Azha, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered a sudden televised address announcing that the national election would be held in the first half of April next year. This abrupt declaration – made without consultation with political parties, the Election Commission, or the armed forces – was widely seen as a bolt from the blue. Most political parties, including the BNP, had been pushing for elections to be held by December this year. The BNP had met the chief adviser several times, even presenting detailed proposals on how a December election could be conducted. Yet, Prof Yunus bypassed this
consensus, causing a political firestorm. That same night, the BNP’s Standing Committee rejected his announcement outright and issued a sharply critical statement.
As tensions escalated and most political parties lined up in opposition to the interim government’s decision, Begum Zia quietly but decisively intervened. On Eid day, she summoned the BNP’s top leaders to her residence, Feroza, not just to exchange greetings, but to discuss the mounting crisis. With her characteristic clarity and foresight, she asked: Why was communication breaking down with the government?
The leaders explained the situation. Listening intently, Begum Zia advised restraint. “National unity must not be shattered,” she said. “We must resolve this crisis through dialogue. Democracy is the only way out.” She spoke with her son and the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, emphasising that no political vacuum should allow reactionary forces to re-enter the scene. Acting on her advice, the BNP halted its planned movement against the interim government.
Eventually, a landmark meeting took place in London between Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Prof Yunus. At the outset of the meeting, Tarique reportedly said, “Amma (mother) has sent her greetings.” The message was unambiguous – Begum Khaleda Zia remains the guiding force behind the BNP. It was also a deeply personal gesture of respect and loyalty.
Following Begum Zia’s advice, the BNP softened its stance and offered a significant concession: it proposed holding the election in early February, before Ramadan. This was a clear demonstration that the BNP prioritises national interest over partisan rigidity. Such flexibility, political wisdom, and love for the country are why the people call her “Deshnetri” – Leader of the Nation.
Despite her deteriorating health, Khaleda Zia has remained a symbol of resilience. She endured imprisonment, solitary confinement, and denial of proper medical care under the fascist Awami League regime. Even during her gravest illnesses, the regime attempted to orchestrate a slow death. Yet, she never uttered a word of bitterness. When that oppressive government fell, she didn’t thank God for her own liberation – but for the nation’s. “The people of this country had long awaited this moment,” she said. That is Khaleda Zia – an exemplar of selfless leadership.
Many political analysts believe it was her timely intervention that averted a potential national confrontation. The BNP, widely recognised as the country’s strongest political force, commands unparalleled public support. Its alliance includes 90% of the country’s political parties, united under BNP’s leadership in the fight against authoritarianism and fascism for over 17 years.
The “July Uprising” was not a spontaneous 36-day revolt – it was the result of years of pent-up rage and collective suffering. Throughout this time, it was the BNP that carried the torch of resistance. Thousands of BNP activists were falsely prosecuted, abducted, injured, or killed. Their sacrifices ultimately toppled the authoritarian regime.
If the BNP and its allies were to withdraw support from the interim government, it would plunge the nation into unmanageable uncertainty. At such a critical juncture, it was Begum Zia who again showed the nation the way forward. She guided the political process toward unity, democracy, and reconstruction.
Begum Zia’s counsel on resolving the election impasse will go down as historic. She did not cling to party interests. She preserved the fragile spirit of national unity. This is nothing new for her. Since entering politics in 1982, she has always put the nation first. In 1986, she boycotted a lucrative election opportunity for the greater good. Her uncompromising leadership led to the fall of the Ershad dictatorship in 1990. After winning the 1991 elections, she reintroduced the parliamentary system despite her party’s previous support for a presidential system. In 1996, she pioneered the non-partisan caretaker government model, now seen as the only path to free and fair elections.
Begum Khaleda Zia is a rare political figure – driven not by personal ambition, but by devotion to her country. Her integrity and sense of duty are unparalleled. And now, by facilitating the crucial meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman, she has reaffirmed her role as the true guardian of the nation.
She remains, unequivocally, the lighthouse of Bangladesh’s politics.
