Residents share stories of her formative years

Residents of Dinajpur reflected on the childhood and adolescent years of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, as news of her demise spread across the country.

Born to Iskandar Majumder and Taiyaba Majumder, Khaleda Zia spent her formative years in Dinajpur before marrying the late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Locals recalled her early life in the district with a sense of personal loss and pride, remembering her as a warm and respectful figure long before she rose to national prominence.

Khaleda Zia began her education at a missionary school and later enrolled at Dinajpur Government Girls' High School, where she completed her matriculation examinations.

Her father, a businessman who migrated to Dinajpur from Jalpaiguri following the Partition, resided at Taiyaba Villa in the Balubari area. He served as president of the Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries from 1975 to 1984. Her mother, Taiyaba Majumder, widely known for her social work in the district, lived in the family home until her demise.

Following the announcement of Khaleda Zia's passing, BNP leaders and activists gathered at the party's local office in Jail Intersection. Recitations of the Holy Quran were organised there, as well as at her parents' residence, with supporters offering prayers for her departed soul.

Advocate Shamim Bin Golap recalled that his mother, late Doulatun Rahman, had served as headmistress of Dinajpur Government Girls' High School during Khaleda Zia's student years.

"She was friendly, maintained warm relations with everyone, and always showed deep respect for her elders," Shamim said.

He also recounted a memorable incident from later years. "After she became prime minister, my mother -- then serving as a district education officer -- visited the Ministry of Education in Dhaka on official work. When the education minister informed Khaleda Zia of her arrival, she immediately asked that my mother be brought to her office. Upon seeing her former head teacher, Khaleda Zia stood up from her chair and warmly welcomed her."

Advocate Shamim said his mother cherished the gesture and often spoke of it fondly until her death in 2011.

Khaleda Zia's maternal cousin, Abu Taher, also shared his memories. "She was affectionate towards relatives and always listened to everyone," he said.

Former Dinajpur mayor Syed Jahangir Alam, who submitted his nomination papers for Dinajpur-3 constituency from BNP on party instructions as an alternative candidate to the BNP chairperson, recalled his long association with her.

"I have countless memories with our leader over my 43-year political career," he said. "She always asked about my family and affectionately called me 'Pagla'."

Khaleda Zia last visited Dinajpur on September 22, 2012, when she addressed a public rally at Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan.