The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized a special condolence meeting and doa mahfil seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the BNP.

The condolence meeting and doa mahfil were held on January 12, 2026 (Monday) afternoon at the Nurul Kader Auditorium of the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. The programme was presided over by BGMEA Acting President Salim Rahman.

Among others present at the condolence meeting were BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Md. Hasib Uddin, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Nafis-Ud-Doula, Mrs. Sumaiya Islam, Fahima Akhter, Majumdar Arifur Rahman, Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz, A.B.M. Shamsuddin, Mohammed Sohel, Samiha Azim, along with general members and distinguished personalities from the garment sector.

At the outset, brief remarks were delivered by former BGMEA President Kazi Moniruzzaman and BGMEA Director Dr. Rashid Ahamed Hossaini. They paid deep tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia’s exceptional and uncompromising contributions to the restoration of democracy and her long journey of leadership for the nation.

In his emotional address, BGMEA Acting President Salim Rahman said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader and a visionary statesperson. She was a true friend of our garment industry. In the early 1990s, when this industry was in its infancy, she eased our path by providing major facilities and cash incentives. During her tenure, garment exports crossed the USD 1 billion milestone for the first time.”

He further noted, “During the critical period of the abolition of the quota system (MFA Phase Out) in 2004, she took the right decision by forming a ‘National Coordination Committee’, which helped our industry attain its strong position in the global market today. By placing trust in BGMEA, she empowered it with the authority to issue UD and UP, significantly accelerating business operations. Through the introduction of a free-market economy, reduction of business costs, trade facilitation, and the launch of stipends for women’s education, she brought about a revolutionary transformation.”

The programme was conducted by BGMEA Director Dr. Rashid Ahamed Hossaini. A special video documentary highlighting the life and works of Begum Khaleda Zia was screened at the event, showcasing her landmark initiatives in strengthening the national economy, restoring democracy, empowering women, and especially expanding the garment industry.

The programme concluded with a special munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed soul and prosperity and well-being for the country and the nation.