Janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia draws thousands of People
Janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia draws thousands of People

Janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia draws thousands of People

Agartala Dec 31: Bangladesh on Tuesday witnessed an outpouring of grief as thousands of people assembled to attend the janaza (Funeral Prayer) of ex-Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the end of an era in the country’s political history.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the elder son of the late leader, paid an emotional tribute to his mother, expressing remorse on her behalf for any pain caused during her lifetime. He said that if anyone had been hurt by Khaleda Zia’s words or decisions, he sincerely sought forgiveness, while praying for divine mercy and blessings for her soul.

Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka became the focal point of national mourning as senior leaders and dignitaries arrived to pay their last respects. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, along with other high-ranking officials, was present at the venue to honour the late former prime minister.

Tarique Rahman also reached Manik Mia Avenue to offer his final homage, joining party leaders, supporters, and citizens from across the country who gathered in large numbers to participate in the funeral prayers.

As a mark of respect beyond Bangladesh’s borders, the national flag was flown at half-mast at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, reflecting the sense of loss felt by the Bangladeshi diaspora and the diplomatic community.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, conveyed that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Dhaka, expressed condolences on behalf of the Indian government and its people.

He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s role in strengthening democratic values in Bangladesh and voiced optimism about deepening bilateral ties between the two countries in the post-transition phase, particularly ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Dhaka, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and personally handed over a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed India’s heartfelt sympathies and stated that Khaleda Zia’s principles and vision would continue to inspire and shape the future of Bangladesh-India relations.

Janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia draws thousands of People
Janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia draws thousands of People

The passing of Begum Khaleda Zia has drawn widespread tributes from across political and national boundaries, underscoring her enduring influence on Bangladesh’s political landscape and democratic journey.