The magic of Khaleda Zia

Her last speeches call for a politics of ‘no vengeance’

People’s presence said it all. The millions who poured in last Wednesday at her namaz-e-janaza did so out of a love for her that cannot be measured by the usual standards applied to political leaders. They came spontaneously, driven by an inner urge to show their respect to a person who they felt represented them. The bonding was more subconscious than political, and definitely not partisan, for most of the people who attended the janaza were members of the public in general. It was quite unbelievable how magically she had touched the hearts of so many ordinary people.