Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club

Diplomats, journalists and policymakers gathered at the National Press Club in Washington DC to pay tribute to Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia, honouring her political legacy, personal sacrifices and lifelong struggle for parliamentary democracy.

The memorial meeting, held on Monday evening at the century-old institution, reflected deep respect for Khaleda’s role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Speakers highlighted her unwavering leadership, moral courage and enduring influence on the nation’s political and democratic institutions.

The event was organised by National Press Club member and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey.

Among the speakers were National Press Club’s newly elected 119th President Mark Schoeff, former Associated Press editor Myron Belkind, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh Dan Mozena and Marcia Bernicat, Stimson Centre Senior Fellow Steve Rose, former head of VOA Bangla Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy Golam Mortoza, and American University law professor Ehteshamul Haq.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey said the gathering was not merely to remember a former prime minister, but to honor “a towering figure inseparable from the history of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle.”

“Khaleda Zia was a protector of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and a builder of economic progress. When democratic institutions were dismantled and dissenting voices silenced, she stood alone and fearless against authoritarianism. She was a rare and exemplary leader in world history,” he said.

Ansarey traced the roots of Khaleda’s courage to history, recalling the night of March 25, 1971, when Pakistani forces launched a brutal crackdown in East Pakistan.

He said Khaleda blocked attempts to remove weapons from the East Bengal Regiment’s armory, insisting that no arms could be moved without the consent of her husband, Major Ziaur Rahman.

“By risking her life, she set an early example of resistance to oppression,” he noted, adding that Major Zia’s subsequent declaration of independence changed the course of history.

Referring to her later years, Ansarey said Khaleda was unjustly imprisoned due to political vendetta.

He noted that domestic and international protests followed, and that the US State Department’s annual human rights reports characterised the cases against her as politically motivated attempts to sideline her from politics.
Dan Mozena described Khaleda as a leader who earned respect by showing respect to others.

“Even while ill, she always asked about the well-being of others,” he said, adding that her name would remain etched in Bangladesh’s history of democracy and development.
Mozena recalled that during his tenure in Dhaka, Khaleda was always accessible and gracious.

“She [Khaleda] never made communication difficult. Whenever I sought a meeting, she gave time,” he said, thanking Ambassador Ansarey for bringing together the community to honour “one of Bangladesh’s legendary figures.”

“She endured unimaginable suffering,” Mozena added.

He went on to say, “When others might have given up, she never did. She never asked why she was subjected to such cruelty. She was open-hearted, generous, and deeply sincere. Through engagement with her, Bangladesh–US relations were strengthened.”

Former US ambassador Marcia Bernicat echoed similar sentiments, saying Khaleda endured immense persecution without complaint. “Whether at breakfast meetings or Ramadan iftars, her hospitality and warmth were unforgettable,” she said.

Bernicat recalled meeting Khaleda many times during moments of crisis. “Even in the most difficult circumstances, she remained gracious and smiling. As a woman leader, the way she led Bangladesh will remain a benchmark in South Asia. As long as Bangladesh exists, her legacy will be remembered,” she said.

Press Club President Mark Schoeff expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Ansarey for selecting the Press Club as the venue to honour Khaleda Zia.

Veteran journalist Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury said Khaleda entered politics following the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in 1981, when the responsibility of both family and party leadership fell on her shoulders.

“Under immense pressure from supporters, she took charge of BNP and went on to become Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister,” he said.

Prof Ehteshamul Haq highlighted Khaleda’s extraordinary personal sacrifices -- from being detained with her two children during the 1971 Liberation War to enduring imprisonment and political repression later in life.

“Despite relentless persecution, she could never be subdued,” he said.

Bangladesh Embassy Press Minister Golam Mortoza said the Zia family occupies a unique place in Bangladesh’s political history, noting the significant contributions of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman to the nation’s democratic development.

Former AP editor Myron Belkind said Khaleda’s life demonstrated that democracy is never a gift. “It must be defended, even at the cost of one’s life. History is not written by those who rule, but by those who stand patiently and courageously against injustice.”
 

He added that Bangladesh has already had its first female prime minister, while the United States has yet to have a woman as head of state.

Prior to the discussion, a documentary highlighting Khaleda Zia’s life and political struggle was screened, leaving many attendees visibly moved.