Pro-BNP doctors host milad mahfil on Khaleda’s birth anniversary

A group of physicians, aligned with the ruling BNP, hosted a milad mahfil to pray for the departed soul of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on her 81st birth anniversary of former chairperson on Saturday.

The milad and prayer session was held at the Hazrat Ibn Masud (RA) Hafizia Madrasa and Lillah Boarding in Azimpur.

Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, health affairs secretary at BNP, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam said, “The Mother of Democracy, three-time prime minister and leader of the nation, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, devoted her entire life to the people of the country and to establishing democracy. Her uncompromising stance for democracy played an important role in creating the backdrop for the July Uprising in Bangladesh.”

He said Begum Khaleda Zia always had special respect and affection for Islamic scholars and orphans. During the holy month of Ramadan, she would try to have her first iftar with orphans and madrasa students. He said current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also continued this tradition. He further noted that during his government, an initiative has been taken to provide government allowances to mosque imams and muezzins.

Professor Rafiqul Islam said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, laid the foundation for the country’s development and modernization, which Begum Khaleda Zia carried forward. Maintaining that continuity, the current prime minister is also carrying out the responsibility of governing the country. He said Bangladesh is still benefiting from Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to every important sector of the country, including women’s education and healthcare.

He further said, “As long as democratic practice continues in Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia’s name will be remembered with respect and dignity.”

Special prayers were offered at the event for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, Arafat Rahman Koko, current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and members of his family. Prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity and the continued progress of democracy in the country and the nation.

Among others, Dr Mahmudur Rahman Noman, Dr Zahidul Kabir, Dr Ahmed Sami Al Hasan, Dr Jahangir Hossain, Dr Mirza Asaduzzaman Ratan, Dr Noman, Dr Tanzir, Dr Simanta, Dr Rony, Dr Badsha, Dr Manzur, Dr Omar, Dr Raihan, Dr Momi and Dr Nafi, as well as nationalist doctors and student leaders from various medical colleges, were present at the milad and prayer session.