Dhaka, Dec 30 (NationPress) Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday delivered a heartfelt tribute to his mother, the party leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, recalling her as a "nurturing mother" who dedicated her life to the nation and its citizens.

Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 80 after a long battle with illness, as confirmed by the party.

The BNP stated that she passed away around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for over a month. In her memory, the party has declared a seven-day mourning period.

In a touching message shared on X, Rahman expressed, "My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has answered the call of Almighty Allah and departed from us today. For many, she was the country’s leader, an unwavering figure, the Mother of Democracy, the Mother of Bangladesh. The nation grieves the loss of a guiding light that influenced its democratic journey."

Revealing a personal touch, he added, "To me, Khaleda Zia was a compassionate and devoted mother who dedicated her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her journey, she stood resolute against autocracy, fascism, and oppression, leading the fight for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy."

Rahman reminisced about her strength within the family even amidst political turmoil.

"Despite a life filled with sacrifice and struggle, at home she was our greatest protector, a mother whose boundless love provided us with strength during our darkest hours. She faced numerous arrests, denied medical treatment, and endured relentless persecution. Yet, even through pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never ceased to protect her family with bravery and kindness. Her resilience was silent but unyielding," he stated.

Emphasizing the personal sacrifices she made for the nation, Rahman continued, "For this country, she endured the loss of her husband and child. In that grief, this nation and its people became her family, her mission, her very essence. She leaves behind a profound legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and defiance, a legacy that will endure in the democratic spirit of Bangladesh."

He concluded his message by urging for prayers and expressing gratitude.

"I implore everyone to pray for my mother. For the deep love, respect, and compassion shown by the people of this nation and from around the world, my family and I will be forever thankful," Rahman stated.

In the meantime, the BNP Standing Committee convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to plan the party's future actions following Khaleda Zia's passing.

The meeting, led by her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, commenced on Tuesday afternoon at the chairperson's office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Several senior leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the meeting, as reported by the leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune.

Khaleda Zia's funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday in Dhaka.

The interim government has also declared a three-day state mourning and a general holiday on Wednesday to honor the late former Prime Minister.