National University and Open University mourn the death of Begum Khaleda Zia

The Vice-Chancellor of the National University and the Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University sent separate condolence messages on Tuesday on the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Zia.

In this, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, said, Begum Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader who fought to protect the sovereignty of Bangladesh and establish democracy. The condolence committee prayed for the peace and forgiveness of her departed soul and expressed its sincere condolences to her bereaved family members.

Professor Amanullah said, Begum Khaleda Zia established the National University in 1992 to ensure quality higher education. Currently, this university provides 70 percent of the country's higher education. About 2,500 colleges and educational institutions across the country are being run under the National University. To fulfill the dream of Begum Khaleda Zia, the current administration of the National University is giving importance to work-oriented education along with reforming the old curriculum.

All the teachers, officers and employees of the National University are deeply saddened by the death of Begum Zia. The Vice Chancellor also said that the current administration of the National University is working to pay true respect to Begum Khaleda Zia, the founder of the National University and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second female Prime Minister of the Muslim world.

Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam said that with the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and an uncompromising national leader, the country has lost a guardian of democracy. The BNcontribution she made as the wife of the independence proclaimer, martyr President Ziaur Rahman, and as a statesman, will be forever remembered in the history of the nation. This loss can never be compensated.” Begum Zia was the founding chancellor of Bangladesh Open University (BOU).

The VC also said, “Beyond her title, Begum Khaleda Zia was a symbol of struggle, the power of silent tolerance and the language of indomitable courage. She did not bow her head even in the face of insults, injustice, imprisonment and long illness. She taught us the meaning of loving the country by choosing responsibility over power.”

In tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh Open University has decided to declare a general holiday and keep the university flag at half-mast. At the same time, teachers, officers and employees at various levels of the university have expressed deep grief.