11 Sept marks Begum Khaleda Zia’s release from jail

Today (11 September) marks the release of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia from jail in 2008.

After spending 372 days in detention during the then caretaker government in 2008, she was released on this day from a special jail inside the parliament complex.

Since then, 11 September is not merely a date on the calendar for BNP leaders and activists. Rather, it is an emotional day of ending days of waiting, anxiety, and celebrate joy of freedom.

On 3 September 2007, the then caretaker government detained her from Moinul Road residence in Dhaka Cantonment.

As she was produced before the court, her bail was denied, asking her to keep confine in a building at parliament complex making it into a special prison.

As days, months, and a year passed, her party leaders, supporters, and relatives continued to wait anxiously outside the prison every day.

Finally, on 11 September 2008, Begum Khaleda Zia was freed from the confinement.

Within moments, crowds poured onto the streets. Some carried flowers while others shed tears of joy. Everyone was filled with excitement as they welcomed their beloved leader.

Many more years have passed since then, but 11 September remains just as vivid in the memories of those who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism.

Begum Khaleda Zia’s political journey continued through many ups and down, struggle, hardship, and challenge. But ultimately, woes of the icon of democracy came to end.

On 30 December 2025, Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister, passed away. After her death, the outpouring of public affection was unprecedented.

Following one of the largest funerals in the country’s history, she was laid to eternal rest with state honours beside the grave of her husband late President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence in 1971 and founder of BNP in 1978.