By Correspondent, Dhaka, Bangladesh:
The burial of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been completed. Following her funeral prayers on Wednesday (December 31) at around 4:30 pm, the uncompromising leader widely regarded as a symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty was laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, former President and martyred leader Ziaur Rahman.
Earlier, one of the largest funeral congregations in Bangladesh’s history was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, popularly known as Manik Mia Avenue. Hundreds of thousands of people joined the prayers. The gathering extended far beyond Manik Mia Avenue, with mourners filling surrounding roads, alleys, metro rail stations, and even rooftops of nearby buildings.
The funeral was attended by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the Advisory Council, the chiefs of the three armed forces, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, and vast numbers of party activists, alongside people from all walks of life. Foreign diplomats were also present.
The funeral prayers were led by Sheikh Abdul Malek, Khatib of the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram.
Before the conclusion of the prayers, her son Tarique Rahman delivered a brief address, appealing for forgiveness if his mother had caused anyone any pain. He urged the nation to pray for her departed soul and pledged to settle any outstanding debts on her behalf, asking concerned individuals to contact him directly.
From early Wednesday morning, despite the biting winter cold, people of diverse political affiliations, professions, and backgrounds began arriving at the venue. As the day progressed, the area became densely packed. By the time the prayers began around 3:00 pm, Manik Mia Avenue and its surrounding areas including Zia Udyan, Bijoy Sarani, the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center area, Asad Gate, Sobhanbagh, Farmgate, and Karwan Bazar were filled with mourners. Many also joined the prayers from metro rail stations and rooftops of nearby buildings.
Often referred to as the “Mother of Democracy,” Begum Khaleda Zia had long been suffering from multiple complex illnesses. Following a deterioration in her health, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital, where she had been receiving treatment for several days. She passed away on Tuesday morning (December 30) at 6:00 am.