Suraia Zerin Roni, Joint General Secretary of Bogura District Women’s Party, President of Gabtali Upazila Women’s Party, and former Vice Chairman of Gabtali Upazila Parishad, has taken oath as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the reserved women’s seat for Bogura–Joypurhat.
Following the official government gazette notification, she was administered the oath on Sunday at around 9:00 PM at the Parliament complex’s eastern block.
Tribute at the Mausoleum of Zia and Khaleda Zia
Soon after the oath ceremony, the newly elected women MPs visited the mausoleums of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Suraia Zerin Roni accompanied them during the visit.
“Recognition of Years of Struggle”
Reacting after taking the oath, Roni said:
“This honour is the result of years of dedication to the streets and political struggles. I am grateful to Almighty Allah and extend my sincere thanks to the party leadership.”
She also expressed gratitude to the party’s top leadership, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying she would strive to uphold the trust placed in her.
Emotional Reflection on Social Media
Prior to her nomination, Roni posted on Facebook on April 21, writing:
“Alhamdulillah… By the grace of Almighty Allah, I have reached this stage today.”
In the same post, she paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman, and expressed gratitude to her family, colleagues, and the people of Bogura. She wrote:
“I want to remain beside you as your daughter and sister throughout my life.”
A Story of Pain and Political Struggle
Roni shared a deeply emotional account of her political journey, stating that in 2017 she was seriously injured during a police crackdown on a political programme while four months pregnant, resulting in the loss of her unborn child and permanent loss of motherhood ability.
She said:
“What greater sacrifice can a mother make for politics? I ask this question to the nation.”
She further alleged repeated arrests, torture, and false cases throughout her political career, including long periods of imprisonment.
Recounting her time in custody, she said:
“Not everyone knows the experience of being in a prison van. Only those who have lived it understand its pain.”
Roni also stated that while she was in jail, her mother passed away, and she saw her mother’s grave only after being released following 134 days of imprisonment.
Commitment to Public Service
The newly elected MP said she intends to work with integrity and dedication for the people of Bogura and Joypurhat. “I want to work for women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and the protection of people’s rights,” she said. She also appealed for public prayers, saying she hopes to fulfill the expectations of the people.
Public Expectation and Political Significance
Residents of Bogura and Joypurhat expect that a leader emerging from grassroots struggles will strongly represent local issues in parliament.
Political analysts believe that recognising leaders with long histories of activism sends a positive message in politics and may encourage greater youth engagement in democratic processes.
