Deputy Leader of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) and Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Begum Matia Chowdhury today said that former President Zillur Rahman was a leader of the grassroots people and his politeness was remarkable.

“He did not show off anything,” she said while addressing a discussion organized by Zillur Rahman death anniversary celebration committee at Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here marking the 11th death anniversary of Zillur Rahman, a veteran politician, a Language Movement hero, an organiser of the Liberation War and one of the close associates of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Zillur Rahman always discharged his duties sincerely, Matia said, adding: “We worked together when our leader (Sheikh Hasina) was arrested. At that time, he said that the movement must be waged.”

Mentioning that people like Zillur Rahman would never come again, she said that he was a man with rare qualities.

Matia said Zillur Rahman had the mindset of working together with everyone.

AL Presidium Member and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said that Zillur Rahman’s loyalty to the party and the country is immense.

The Prime Minister was taken to jail when a caretaker government was formed after the 1/11 changeover, he said.

“I was there when she (the leader) was taken to court. Then she called me and said two things- I have made Zillur Rahman the president (of AL). Many people are intimidating him. You will stay with him so that the party remains intact,” he added.

He said: “In 2007, we were together during the crisis of the nation.”

He urged all to remain united for moving forward overcoming all the conspiracies hatched by BNP-Jamaat.

Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan said that Zillur Rahman made important contributions in every level of Bangladesh’s independence movement.

“He tried to establish human rights till his death. An ideal leader like him will be an example for ages,” Faridul added.

Agriculture Minister Md Abdus Shahid said that Zillur Rahman was a very calm person.

“When Bangabandhu’s daughter trusted him and handed over the responsibility of the party to him, he (Zillur) did not indulge in anything that would harm the party,” he recalled.