BNP leaders, supporters throng to pay homage to Khaleda Zia’s grave

Hundreds of BNP leaders and supporters visited Zia Udyan on Friday (January 2) to pay their respects at the grave of the late party chairperson Khaleda Zia, marking the third and final day of national mourning.

Supporters from across the country arrived with banners of various party units.

Earlier, family members including her granddaughter Zaima Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman had visited the grave.

Public access was briefly restricted but later reopened to allow mourners.

Many supporters expressed grief and prayed for the former prime minister. Mokhlesur Rahman, a visitor from Dhanmondi, said, “I have come to pay homage. May Allah grant her Jannatul Ferdous.” Small processions continued to arrive by bus and microbus, while police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) maintained security at the site.

Friday also saw special prayers and religious observances across the country at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas. Mosques held du’as after Friday prayers for the departed leader.

Khaleda Zia was laid to rest on December 31 at Banani Graveyard beside her late husband, President Ziaur Rahman. The funeral saw her son Tarique Rahman and family members in attendance, with the armed forces providing a state guard of honour.