Khaleda Zia’s Janaza held, ocean of mourners gather to pay tribute

Online Desk  :    The Namaz-e-Janaza of BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was held at Manik Mia Avenue near the National Parliament on Wednesday, with the participation of lakhs of people. The funeral prayer took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, popularly known as Manik Mia Avenue, at around 3:03 pm. It was led by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram. President Md Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, local and foreign political leaders, diplomats, and millions of people attended the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia....

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Online Desk  :    The Namaz-e-Janaza of BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was held at Manik Mia Avenue near the National Parliament on Wednesday, with the participation of lakhs of people. The funeral prayer took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, popularly known as Manik Mia Avenue, at around 3:03 pm. It was led by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.

President Md Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, local and foreign political leaders, diplomats, and millions of people attended the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, chiefs of various forces, and senior leaders of all major political parties were also present. Prior to the Namaz-e-Janaza, her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman sought prayers from the people of the country for his mother.

In a brief speech, he said, “I am Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. If she borrowed from anyone during her lifetime, please contact me. God willing, I will make arrangements to repay it.” He also added that if anyone was hurt by any of her actions or words during her lifetime, he apologized to them on her behalf, and urged everyone to pray that Allah Almighty grants her Jannah.

Since Wednesday morning, a massive crowd from Dhaka, its surrounding areas, and different parts of the country had been gathering at Manik Mia Avenue to pay their last respects. On the ground, it was seen that not only the National Parliament area but also nearby localities—including Khamarbari, Asadgate, and Farmgate—were filled with people.

Earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan presented the life and work of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia ahead of the funeral. He delivered a written speech from the stage at around 2:45 pm, highlighting her birth, family life, marriage to martyred President Ziaur Rahman, entry into politics, and her role in democratic movements.

Earlier, at 11:50 am, the body of Begum Khaleda Zia was brought to Manik Mia Avenue. A heartbreaking scene unfolded there. Family members were present in a red-green bus with the body wrapped in the national flag. BNP Chairperson’s eldest son Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and other family members were present at the funeral.

Police, RAB and 27 platoons of BGB were deployed to ensure flawless security in the Parliament Building and Manik Mia Avenue areas on the occasion of the funeral. After the funeral, the body is now being taken to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. She will be buried with full state honors next to the grave of martyred President Ziaur Rahman at 3:30 pm.