The planned biographical film Mother of Democracy, chronicling the life and political journey of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, now stands unfinished following her death on Tuesday morning.
Announced in 2024, the film aimed to depict Khaleda Zia’s decades-long role in Bangladesh’s democratic struggles, but production had not begun before her passing at the age of 80, leaving the cinematic tribute incomplete.
The movie, registered with the Bangladesh Film Directors Association, was supposed to be a chronicle of Khaleda Zia’s journey in politics and her role in Bangladesh’s democratic struggles.
The script was reportedly completed, and pre‑production was underway, with shooting scheduled to begin on September 25, 2024.
Director MK Zaman had described the project as essential for understanding the country’s democratic history, saying the film would depict Khaleda Zia’s contributions and resilience. However, details, including the casting, particularly who would portray Khaleda Zia, were never revealed before her sudden passing.
The ambitious cinematic tribute had already sparked controversy.
In August 2024, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reportedly issued a legal notice to halt the production, stating that neither Khaleda Zia nor her family had given consent for the project and calling the initiative a “malicious attempt” to exploit her name.
Now, with Khaleda Zia’s death at the age of 80 and the nation in mourning, *Mother of Democracy* remains incomplete, a project that sought to portray the story of a towering political figure but will likely never reach the screen as envisioned.
The film’s status and future have not yet been addressed by the filmmakers after that press conference, which made the announcement of the film.
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