Bangladesh Open University (BOU) on Wednesday held a condolence meeting in memory of Khaleda Zia, three-time prime minister of Bangladesh and the university’s founding chancellor, paying tribute to her life, leadership, and contributions to the nation.
The meeting took place at 10:30am at the auditorium of the Central Conference and Training Centre on the BOU campus. Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam presided over the programme, according to a press release.
In his address, the vice-chancellor described Khaleda Zia as a towering national leader whose role in restoring democracy, advancing education and human resource development, and establishing Bangladesh Open University would remain “eternally remembered in the nation’s history.”
He said humility, tolerance, and love for the people defined her leadership, noting that she rose above partisan politics to become a symbol of national unity. He also prayed for eternal peace of her soul.
Former BOU pro-vice-chancellor Prof MA Bashar delivered the keynote speech, recalling Khaleda Zia as a leader of rare personality marked by dignity, patience, and wisdom. He said her respect for people of all backgrounds earned her admiration both at home and abroad.
Special speeches were delivered by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sayeed Ferdous and Treasurer Prof Abul Hasnat Md Shamim. Other speakers included Professor Tanvir Ahsan, Prof Md Abu Taleb, Media Division Director Sharif Md Shahabuddin, Joint Director (Administration) Mohammad Salauddin Bhuiyan, and employee representative Md Humayun Kabir Badsha.
The programme was conducted by Registrar (Additional Charge) Prof Md Anisur Rahman.
The meeting began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a special prayer seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, led by Professor Dr Muhammad Saidul Haque of the Department of Islamic Studies.
