Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir on Thursday said former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia consistently stood out in Bangladesh’s political landscape for her grace, decency, restraint and strong sense of self-respect.

“Khaleda Zia created a unique example in Bangladeshi politics through her refined conduct, decency, moderation, dignity and restraint, which always impressed me,” he said while addressing a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Reflecting on her centrist and democratic political approach, Nurul Kabir said that although he was never directly involved with BNP’s political strategies, he had always supported the party’s democratic ideals.

Highlighting her restraint amid personal suffering, the veteran journalist said, “Despite the oppression, persecution and hardships she and her family endured, no one has ever heard her utter words of condemnation. Such restraint is undoubtedly rare.”

Recalling an incident from the night of March 25, 1971, Nurul Kabir said that when Bengali officers were preparing to take up arms against Pakistani commanders, a Pakistani Subedar Major under then Major Ziaur Rahman attempted to break open an arms cache and open fire on Bengali officers. “It was Khaleda Zia who stopped him. She was an ordinary housewife at the time, yet her courage saved the lives of many Bengali officers that night.”

He stressed that her bravery should not be underestimated, noting that without her courageous intervention in the early hours of the war, many Bengali officers might have lost their lives. “It could even have affected Ziaur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence on March 26.”

Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Nurul Kabir urged them not to take any action that would dishonour Khaleda Zia’s ideals. “Do nothing that would make people say Khaleda Zia was fortunate to have passed away and not lived to witness such days.”

He concluded by calling upon BNP to continue its democratic journey and actively participate in building a beautiful and democratic Bangladesh.