Mourning leaders, activists throng BNP office in Naya Paltan

Since news of the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia spread, thousands of party leaders and activists have been gathering at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan in the capital. A pall of grief has descended over the entire area following the loss of the beloved leader.

From morning, cries of mourning echoed through the office premises. Some were seen weeping uncontrollably, while others stood silently, lost in memories.

From 10am on Tuesday, a Quran khatam began on the ground floor of the party office, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal, seeking forgiveness for Begum Zia’s departed soul. Organisers said the prayers would continue until the janaza on Wednesday. Black flags have been hoisted at the party office, and the party flag has been kept at half-mast as a mark of mourning.

On the ground, leaders and activists from different parts of the capital were seen arriving in Naya Paltan with banners, festoons and condolence messages. Some broke down in tears in front of the office or on the streets, while others shed tears in silence. Senior BNP leaders, including chairperson’s adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, were present at the office.

Begum Khaleda Zia, widely known as an uncompromising leader in politics, died at 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The death of the country’s first woman prime minister and BNP chairperson has plunged the political arena into deep mourning. Many believe her passing marks the end of an era.