BNP's recently former secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia the principal architect of democratic politics in Bangladesh. He made the remarks at a prayer gathering at the party's central office in Paltan, Dhaka, on Saturday at about 11:30am, marking her 82nd birthday. He urged supporters to uphold her ideals and prayed for the salvation of her soul.

Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia's role in establishing democracy was immense and that she never bowed down in that struggle. He said her sacrifice and uncompromising stance had brought Bangladesh to its present stage. He also credited her with helping BNP become a genuine political party through a long period of struggle, saying her work and inspiration continue to motivate party activists.

Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said many people shared in gains achieved under Khaleda Zia's leadership, though she did not find everyone beside her in the field of struggle. He said she did not become resentful, embraced others, forgave offences and gave people due respect. Several BNP leaders and activists, including Abdul Moeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, attended the event.