Khaleda Zia’s political decorum is worth emulating

In the history of every nation, there comes a time when certain events outshine all others—moments shaped by personalities who alter the course of destiny, inject momentum into national progress, offer new directions, and inspire deep introspection. One such figure in Bangladesh's political landscape is Begum Khaleda Zia, the uncompromising leader and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who has long been a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence.

Over more than four decades, Khaleda Zia has remained at the height of popularity, serving three terms as Prime Minister and leading her party to win the highest number of parliamentary seats in the nation’s electoral history. Her unwavering leadership saw the downfall of two autocratic regimes. Alongside these achievements, she endured severe, inhumane oppression—but never abandoned her homeland, choosing instead to remain by the people’s side in times of peril. Through her dedication and integrity, she has become an inseparable part of Bangladesh's political history.

During the Awami League’s rule, she was evicted from her cantonment residence on Shaheed Mainul Hossain Road—her home, and the place where her beloved husband spent his final days. This residence was not just a house but a part of national history. Yet, even when she was forced out with nothing but the clothes she was wearing, Khaleda Zia did not step outside the bounds of political civility. She never resorted to vulgar or malicious language and chose not to respond to the malicious propaganda surrounding her home. Khaleda Zia embodies the qualities of a principled guardian of the nation. Her public speeches have consistently emphasized unity, national interest, and welfare—never division or personal vendettas.

Even after enduring long imprisonment and traveling to London for medical treatment—where she spent Eid with her son—she continued to speak in a unifying tone. She extended Eid greetings to party leaders and activists without a trace of discord or incitement. This is the hallmark of a true stateswoman.

Khaleda Zia proves that political influence does not require abusive or indecent language. Her dignity and restraint have made her a luminous figure in Bangladesh's political firmament. As she approaches 80, her popularity remains robust, especially in an era where political discourse has become increasingly toxic. While one side seeks to obliterate the other through defamation and character assassination, Khaleda Zia stands as a beacon of civility and integrity.

She serves as a role model for politicians, demonstrating how to offer sharp criticism while maintaining respect and decorum. She has never sought vengeance. Instead, she upholds a liberal, democratic ethos—leaving the judgment of injustices committed against her to the people of Bangladesh. After her release from prison, her few public statements have focused not on herself, but on the nation's dreams and the path to rebuilding.

It is political decorum that elevates a leader, shapes their character, and makes them worthy of admiration. This is why the people of Bangladesh respect Khaleda Zia. She is a rare example of dignity in politics at a time when vengeance and vulgar attacks have become commonplace. Increasingly, political discourse is marked by brutality, where dissent is met with obscene abuse or even violent force. In contrast, Khaleda Zia remains a shining exception.

Especially following the public uprising on August 5, her actions have commanded national respect. People across political divides admire her wisdom, patience, and forgiveness. Today, she is arguably the most respected political figure in Bangladesh. Her measured tone, composed behavior, and restrained speech continue to inspire peace-loving citizens.

Khaleda Zia is one of the rare politicians who transitioned from a homemaker to the political frontline in defense of the people's rights. Despite relentless persecution, her firm principles and commitment to public welfare have never wavered. While she has offered strong critiques of political opponents, her language has always remained within the bounds of propriety—never descending into vulgarity or insult, not even against deceased political figures. Throughout her career, she has maintained a standard of respectful political discourse, demonstrating that principled criticism can be delivered with civility.

She has never hesitated to meet political opponents when needed, prioritizing national interest over personal differences. One of her greatest challenges came during the 2007 “One-Eleven” emergency period, when she was arrested on false charges by the caretaker government led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed. Both of her sons were also arrested, and a campaign to defame her was launched. Yet, even then, she refused to compromise. Upon returning to politics after her release, she criticized the architects of One-Eleven—but without ever crossing the line of decency.

Begum Zia may be the only major contemporary political leader who never uses indecent language, even when delivering harsh critiques. In 2018, she was imprisoned under what many consider a politically motivated and baseless case. Despite suffering in prison and enduring serious health issues, she never uttered a single word of vengeance. When released on August 5, she did not even mention her persecutors by name. She simply said, “Allah has shown this day to the people of Bangladesh—Alhamdulillah.”

During the previous 15 and a half years of Awami League rule, Khaleda Zia was perhaps the most persecuted figure in Bangladeshi politics. Yet even when faced with crude insults from lower-ranking ruling party leaders, she did not retaliate. By choosing silence over vulgarity, she elevated herself to a moral high ground. Her restraint has earned her the affection of the people. She could have used the harshest language to denounce the former government, but her upbringing and political ethics forbade it. Instead, she confined her criticism to policies—accusing the ruling party of vote-rigging and looting—without launching personal attacks.

In a political landscape marked by vindictiveness and vulgar rhetoric, her conduct is exemplary. Today’s politics is in dire need of such gracious and noble examples. The public rejects hateful political behavior, which is why Khaleda Zia remains Bangladesh’s most popular politician. She has reached a stature that transcends party lines, and many believe she is the most capable person to lead the nation—its true guardian. Her patriotism, love for the people, and principled upbringing have placed her in a class of her own. Khaleda Zia is a rare figure in politics who defeats her opponents not with insults, but with the strength of her popular support.

When Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018, Tarique Rahman was appointed Acting Chairperson of the BNP. Though living abroad, his focus remains on Bangladesh. He announced a 31-point reform agenda to rebuild the state. After the historic public uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime, he called for national unity. He emphasized that genuine reform requires prosecuting anti-people forces and ensuring political and economic empowerment of the masses. He declared that the BNP is committed to forming a secular democratic government inclusive of all.

According to Tarique Rahman, regime change is not merely about replacing one group in power with another. It must entail a qualitative transformation of both the state and politics. Without empowering citizens and establishing democratic accountability through elections, meaningful reform is impossible. Ensuring people’s participation and strengthening democratic institutions is the only path to sustainable state restructuring.

Raihan Ahmed Topadar is a researcher and columnist.