The BNP chairperson turned emotional on Wednesday while talking about the loss of her husband, mother and younger son, and said that people are now her relatives.
In a choked voice at her press conference, Khaleda Zia said, "I lost my husband in my early life as Ziaur Rahman laid down his life for the country. I also lost my mother when I was there in jail."
She could not hold back tears while talking about the demise of her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. "I've lost one of my sons when I was confined to my office...my other son is still receiving treatment abroad after being crippled trough repression."
The BNP chief said the country's people are her relatives and the Almighty Allah is her only resort. "I won't go anywhere leaving the country's people as long as I'm alive."
Just a day before a special court is set to deliver verdict in the graft case against her, Khaleda arranged the press meet at her Gulshan office.
She said she stepped into the dangerous path of politics for restoring democracy following the demand of BNP leaders after the death of her husband. "I scarified my luxury, comfort and peaceful life."
The former prime minister, however, expressed gratitude towards people as she said they gave her immense love in return to her sacrifice. "They elected me in five seats in the polls. I never got defeated as a candidate in any polls."
Earlier, Khaleda urged law enforcers not to obstruct any peaceful programme of people. "You're also the sons of the soil. You don't have any enmity with people or us."
As journalists wanted to ask her some questions after her 36-minute written speech, she declined to take any question. "I'm not taking question today. I'll openly talk to you another day if I get the chance to meet you."
UNB said she later stood up from her chair and waved hand at journalists, saying, "Inshallah we'll meet again... stay well you all."