Tarique Rahman has expressed his gratitude to the government, the armed forces, and law enforcement agencies for ensuring a dignified farewell to his mother

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed deep appreciation to the government’s civilian and military institutions, law enforcement agencies, public officials and media professionals for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in ensuring a peaceful and dignified final farewell to his late mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a heartfelt message, he thanked officers and members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force for maintaining discipline, dignity and calm throughout the day of national mourning, noting that their conduct reflected both professionalism and humanity at a profoundly emotional time.

He also conveyed sincere gratitude to security and law enforcement agencies, including the Home Adviser’s Office, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Armed Police Battalion (APBN), acknowledging their patient and respectful efforts.

“You worked with restraint and care, ensuring that millions of people could gather and return safely, while allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace,” the statement said.

Acknowledging behind-the-scenes contributions, Tarique Rahman commended the intelligence agencies — the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Special Branch (SB) — for their vigilance in ensuring overall security and the smooth conduct of the events.

He also expressed appreciation for public servants from several key offices and ministries, including the National Security Adviser’s Office, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division (PSO AFD), Directorate General of the Special Security Force (DG SSF), and the ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Affairs and Religious Affairs, citing their careful coordination and steady presence throughout the programme.

Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating the participation of senior foreign dignitaries, enabling them to personally convey condolences on behalf of their respective governments — a gesture he said reflected the international respect commanded by Begum Khaleda Zia.

The BNP leader also paid tribute to journalists and media professionals from home and abroad for their accurate and dedicated coverage of the massive janaza prayers and burial ceremonies, carried out under challenging conditions amid crowds spread across several square kilometres.

Finally, Tarique Rahman thanked Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and members of his cabinet for attending in person and for guiding the day with steadiness and care during a moment of national mourning.

“We thank you not only as institutions, but as individuals, for the empathy, respect and sense of duty you demonstrated at a time of profound grief. Your efforts made it possible, Alhamdulillah, for our family and the nation to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.