In a moment that could redefine the trajectory of Bangladesh’s socio-economic and political future, Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has issued a clarion call for an inclusive nation built on love, unity, and reconciliation.

Addressing more than 4,000 BNP district leaders and activists in a virtual speech from London last month, the former prime minister laid out a vision that transcends political vendettas, calling for a collective commitment to democracy, justice, and national harmony.

Begum Zia, affectionately known as Desh Netri (Guardian of the Country), has endured immense personal and political suffering. She spent more than a decade in jail and under house arrest during the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina Wazed. Her home—where she raised her two children after the assassination of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman—was forcibly taken from her.

Under Hasina’s regime, she witnessed the enforced disappearance of hundreds of BNP activists, including one of the most popular student leaders and later party organizing secretary, Ilias Ali. She endured the brutal torture and exile of her elder son, Tarique Rahman, and the tragic loss of her younger son, Arafat Rahman, while abroad. Thousands of BNP activists and opposition members were imprisoned, many were executed by hanging, and the violent suppression of the July Uprising left deep scars on the nation. Criminology experts have described the mass killings of students, workers, and women as state-sponsored murder.

Yet, despite these unimaginable hardships, Begum Zia has chosen reconciliation over retribution. When asked by a foreign journalist about her feelings toward Sheikh Hasina, she responded with remarkable grace, stating that she had left the matter to Almighty Allah, seeking only "the triumph of justice." Even as she departed Bangladesh for medical treatment in London, she urged her party workers, supporters, and student activists of the July Uprising to remain calm, renounce vengeance, and focus on establishing justice and democracy.

In her recent address, Begum Zia declared:

“People from all walks of life, especially the youth, are eagerly awaiting a democratic transformation. We must set aside our narrow-mindedness and work for the greater good of the nation.”

Her words echo the sentiments of great leaders who have steered their nations through turbulent times—choosing unity over division and healing over hatred.

Begum Zia’s journey bears striking parallels to that of Nelson Mandela, who endured 27 years in prison before leading South Africa out of apartheid. Mandela’s greatest achievement was not merely the end of apartheid but the creation of a nation where former oppressors and the oppressed could coexist. In his 1994 inaugural address, Mandela proclaimed:

“We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water, and salt for all.”

Like Mandela, Begum Zia does not seek vengeance for the years of persecution she and her nation have endured. Instead, she envisions a Bangladesh where past divisions are replaced by a shared commitment to democracy and harmony. She believes that a nation cannot prosper while shackled by political, ethnic, or religious hatred.

Her vision also resonates with the philosophy of Abraham Lincoln, who, after the American Civil War, chose reconciliation over retribution. In his 1865 Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln urged:

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.”

Like Lincoln, Begum Zia recognizes that the mistakes of the past must not dictate the future. Instead of settling old scores, she seeks to heal a wounded nation. Her speech reassures Bangladeshis that despite enduring political persecution, false cases, and violent repression, the nation can rebuild itself through unity, justice, and an unwavering commitment to democracy.

Begum Zia’s speech was not merely a declaration—it was a blueprint for a nation emerging from the grip of authoritarianism. For over 15 years, Bangladesh was ruled by a regime that used pseudo-emergency laws, political suppression, and mass arrests to maintain power. More than 1.25 million fabricated cases were filed against opposition activists, and countless individuals suffered imprisonment, exile, or worse. Yet, history has repeatedly shown that no regime can permanently silence the will of the people.

Her vision for Bangladesh is one of healing, not revenge. She reminds the nation of her late husband’s dream—Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman envisioned a modern, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. To fulfill this vision, she urged students, youth, and citizens from all walks of life to work together:

“Through mutual love and brotherhood, let us build a nation that truly reflects our aspirations.”

One of the most striking aspects of Begum Zia’s speech was her emphasis on the youth as the driving force behind Bangladesh’s future. She called on young people to rise above partisan politics and take an active role in shaping a nation that values justice, equality, and inclusivity.

“The youth are the architects of tomorrow. They must lead the charge in creating a Bangladesh that is free from the shadows of hatred and division.”

Khaleda Zia’s speech marks a defining moment in Bangladesh’s political history. With the fall of authoritarianism and the establishment of an interim government, the country stands at a crossroads. The challenges ahead are vast, but so are the possibilities.

Her final words resonate as a clarion call:

“Remember, the party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party.”

If Bangladesh is to embrace this new dawn, it must take this message to heart. The struggle has been long, the sacrifices immense, but the promise of an inclusive Bangladesh built on love is now within reach.

The path to an inclusive Bangladesh will not be easy. It will require a collective effort to dismantle oppression and rebuild the nation on a foundation of justice, equality, and democracy. It will demand a commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the rule of law.

Begum Zia’s vision offers a roadmap for this journey. By choosing love over hatred and unity over division, she has demonstrated that it is possible to transcend the pain of the past and build a brighter future. As Bangladesh stands on the brink of a new era, her message serves as a reminder that:

 “The true measure of a nation’s greatness lies not in its ability to conquer its enemies, but in its capacity to heal its wounds and embrace its diversity.”

The promise of an inclusive Bangladesh, built on love and unity, is no longer a distant dream. It is a vision that can—and must—be realized.

About the Author

Yasir Wardad is a senior staff reporter at The Financial Express Bangladesh and co-convener of Jatiyatabader Pathshala.