Civic memorial meeting planned for Khaleda Zia’s first death anniversary

A civic memorial meeting will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on 28 December 2026, to mark the first death anniversary of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The organisers are also planning to publish a commemorative book and produce a documentary highlighting her life, political career, leadership and contributions to the country.

Organised by members of civil society, the meeting is expected to be attended by the President, the Prime Minister and members of Khaleda Zia’s family. Prominent politicians, academics, intellectuals, journalists, professionals, cultural personalities and other distinguished citizens are also expected to join the event.

To make the occasion meaningful and memorable, the organisers have taken the initiative to publish a special commemorative book highlighting Khaleda Zia’s life, political philosophy, experiences, personality, leadership and contributions to the country and its people, including lesser-known aspects of her life.

They have invited original and analytical articles from prominent personalities, politicians, journalists, writers, researchers, academics, economists, professionals and people who had direct associations with the former prime minister.

The proposed book will cover 12 broad themes, including Khaleda Zia’s life, personality and leadership; her role in democratic movements and opposition to autocracy; foreign policy, national sovereignty and patriotism; women's education, leadership and social development; and her contribution to the history of parliamentary politics in Bangladesh.

Other topics include her economic philosophy and vision for self-reliance, development and stability; elections, voting rights and the struggle for democracy; press freedom and freedom of expression; and her government's relationship with the media.

The organisers have also invited personal accounts and previously untold stories from people who had direct experiences with Khaleda Zia. Other proposed themes include her final days, experiences surrounding her treatment and family and political life, as well as her role in government, administration, good governance and accountability.

Her personal values, aesthetic sense, dignity and humanitarian qualities will also feature in the commemorative publication.

Each article must be between 1,200 and 1,500 words and should be original, fact-based and analytical. Contributors may present their own perspectives, research, experiences and assessments in line with the proposed themes.

Only selected submissions will be published following editorial consideration.

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Interested contributors have been asked to send their articles by email to [email protected] by 30 November 2026.

Alongside the book, the organisers are planning to produce an information-rich documentary on Khaleda Zia’s eventful political career, struggles, leadership, achievements and contributions to national life.

The documentary and commemorative publication are intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of her life and work, political legacy, vision of the state and place in Bangladesh's history.

The organisers expect the two initiatives to serve as valuable historical records of her life and political role for future generations.