Citizens' memorial meeting for Khaleda Zia's first death anniversary on 28 December at Parliament's South Plaza
A citizens' memorial meeting will be held on 28 December at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital to mark the first death anniversary of former prime minister and former BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah announced the initiative on behalf of civil society in a press release on Friday (13 November).
On the occasion, an initiative has been taken to publish a special commemorative volume on her life, political philosophy, leadership and contribution to national life. Writings have been invited from distinguished persons for the volume.
The release said it is expected that the President, the Prime Minister and members of Begum Khaleda Zia's family will attend the memorial meeting, organised at the initiative of civil society.
The organisers also expect distinguished citizens from various classes and professions — including prominent politicians, academics, intellectuals, journalists, professionals and cultural personalities — to take part.
To make the memorial meeting meaningful and memorable, the special commemorative volume will cover Begum Khaleda Zia's life, political philosophy, working experience, personality, leadership, contribution to the country and the nation, and various unknown chapters of her life.
To that end, original and analytical writings have been invited from distinguished persons, politicians, journalists, writers, researchers, academics, economists, professionals and those who were directly associated with Begum Khaleda Zia.
Writings for the volume may be sent on her life, personality and leadership; her uncompromising democratic politics and movements; foreign policy; sovereignty and patriotism; women's education; women's leadership and social development; her role in the history of parliamentary politics in Bangladesh; and her economic philosophy and policies for building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Topics also include elections, democracy and struggle; freedom of the press; direct reminiscences and unknown chapters; government, bureaucracy, good governance and responsibility; direct experience of the final period of her life; and her aesthetics, personality and sense of self-respect.
Writings must be between 1,200 and 1,500 words and must be original, fact-based and analytical. Writers may present their own views, research, experience and assessment in light of the set topics. Only writings selected by the volume's editorial consideration will be published.
The release said writings must be sent by email by 30 November 2026.
An initiative has also been taken to produce an information-rich, authentic video documentary on Begum Khaleda Zia's active, struggling and eventful political life, leadership, successes and achievements in national life.
