Dhaka, Jan. 5 -- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as an icon of Bangladesh's democracy, saying she remained the people's ultimate source of trust throughout her life.

"People loved Khaleda Zia wholeheartedly. She was a place of reliance for the nation," Fakhrul said, becoming visibly emotional while speaking at a doa and memorial programme organised in her honour.

The programme was arranged by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh), with 18 business organisations jointly paying tributes to the late BNP chairperson.

Speaking at the event, Fakhrul said it was extremely difficult for them to speak at a mourning programme for Khaleda Zia. "She...