Thousands visit Khaleda Zia's grave, pay tributes, offer fateha

Thousands of people are paying tributes to the grave of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Numerous activists are arriving at Zia Uddan in the city under banners of various organizations.

Along with the leaders of BNP and associate bodies, the general people have been visiting Khaleda Zia's grave since morning and offering fateha. 

Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

It was seen on the spot that crowds of people were heading towards the graves of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia from the turning at Zia Uddan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Many have brought flowers to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia. There were long lines of men and women from the road in front of the parliament building adjacent to the park and the Bailey Bridge to the grave. Members of the law enforcement forces are struggling to manage the crowd of activists near the grave.

Earlier, Khaleda Zia's granddaughter and Tarique Rahman's daughter Jaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman, and other close family members visited the grave.Apart from party leaders and activists, a large number of general people were also seen at the graveside. Activists, well-wishers and ordinary citizens paid their respects by placing flowers, offering prayers and taking part in supplications.

Apart from party leaders and activists, a large number of general people were also seen at the graveside. Activists, well-wishers and ordinary citizens paid their respects by placing flowers, offering prayers and taking part in supplications.

Rafiqul Islam, 43, an activist of Jubo Dal from Mirpur-2, told BSS, “I came here to pay my respects to our Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia. May Allah grant her Jannat.”

Another visitor, Anwar Hossain, a worker, said, “I could not come on the day of her farewell due to work. As today is a holiday, I came to her grave. May Allah grant her heaven.”

Following Khaleda Zia’s death, the third and final day of national mourning is being observed across the country on Friday. Special prayers and worship were held at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas nationwide.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday (30 December) at around 6:00am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

On Wednesday (31 December), the former prime minister was buried with full state honours beside the grave of her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Her son Tarique Rahman laid her to rest in the presence of family members. Prior to the burial, the armed forces paid a guard of honour.

Prior to this, her historic funeral prayer was held at a vast ground adjacent to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and Manik Mia Avenue, attended by millions of people.