Tarique Rahman thanks all concerned for dignified last farewell to Khaleda Zia

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in the funeral prayers and burial of party chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, praising their responsibility, humanity and professionalism during a time of deep national mourning.

In a post on his verified Facebook page shortly before 7:15am on Thursday (January 1), Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia’s final farewell, held with due honour and dignity amid massive public participation, would be remembered as historic.

He wrote that the compassion, respect and sense of duty shown by people from all walks of life deeply touched him and his family at one of the most painful moments of their lives. The manner in which his mother’s last rites were carried out, he said, was both dignified for the family and honourable for the nation.

Tarique Rahman extended special thanks to members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force for maintaining discipline while demonstrating exemplary humanity and ensuring the safe participation of hundreds of thousands of mourners. He also expressed gratitude to female and male members of the law enforcement agencies, including the police, BGB, Ansar and VDP, RAB and APBn, noting that their patience, integrity and professionalism enabled people to pay tribute peacefully.

He acknowledged the discreet but crucial role played by members of DGFI, NSI and the Special Branch, saying their vigilance and professionalism ensured the overall security and smooth conduct of the programme.

Tarique Rahman further thanked the national security adviser, the PSO of the Armed Forces Division, the DG of SSF, and officials and staff of the housing and public works, information and broadcasting, law, justice and parliamentary affairs, culture, and religious affairs ministries for their coordinated efforts.

He also appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating the presence of high-level foreign representatives, saying their attendance reflected the deep respect shown to Khaleda Zia beyond Bangladesh’s borders.

Thanking journalists at home and abroad, Tarique Rahman said media professionals worked under challenging conditions to report the funeral and burial to the global audience with dedication and professionalism.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and members of the interim government, noting that their personal presence and overall support during the period of national mourning were invaluable to his family.

“More than institutions, it was the empathy and sense of responsibility shown by people that touched our hearts,” Tarique Rahman said, adding that this collective effort allowed the nation to honour Khaleda Zia’s memory with dignity.