Khaleda Zia death leaves irreparable void in Bangladesh politics: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the death of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia has left an irreplaceable void in Bangladesh's politics.

"We never thought we would have to stand before you with this news. Even this time, we hoped she would recover as she did before and return to us," Fakhrul said, speaking with tears in his eyes.

He made the remarks at a press briefing at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka this morning.

"You already know that the mother of our democracy, our guardian, has left us. This grief, this loss, is irreparable. It can never be filled," he added.

Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia had dedicated her entire life to the welfare of the people and the country.

"For those of us who were her political companions, it is impossible to imagine a Bangladesh without Khaleda Zia. A huge void has been created in the country's politics and in the democratic movement," he said.

Meanwhile, BNP has called a Standing Committee meeting at 12:30pm today to decide on matters related to Khaleda Zia's funeral and janaza.