Tears flow as prayers are offered for Khaleda Zia

People across Bangladesh continued to grieve the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday, marking the second day of state mourning, a day after she was laid to rest beside her husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in the capital.

The national flag remained at half-mast at government, semi-government and private offices, educational institutions, and Bangladesh missions abroad, in line with the three-day state mourning declared by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Special prayers were offered at mosques and places of worship of other faiths, seeking forgiveness for the departed leader, while condolence books remained open at Bangladesh missions overseas.

As part of the BNP’s seven-day mourning programme, party leaders and activists observed the second day of mourning across the country. Black flags were hoisted at party offices, leaders wore black badges, and Quran recitations and prayer gatherings were held at central, district and upazila levels.

Condolence books also remained open at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan residence, the central office in Nayapaltan, and party offices nationwide.

Mourners from across the country visit the grave

People from all walks of life visited Khaleda Zia’s grave on Thursday to pay their respects and offer prayers.

The mausoleum at Zia Udyan was opened to the public around noon under tight security. Hundreds had gathered since morning at Bijoy Sarani, waiting behind barricades until access was permitted.

Once opened, mourners entered in an orderly manner, offering prayers and laying flowers.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the grave in the afternoon, while former state minister Lutfuzzaman Babar and Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince offered prayers earlier in the day.

Men, women and children were seen among the visitors, many in tears, with a significant number travelling from outside Dhaka.

Mohammadpur resident Syed Sabbir Hasan told Daily Sun he came as he was unable to attend the burial due to security restrictions.

Fatema Sharmin from Munshiganj said she visited out of affection, despite having no political affiliation.

Ratul Hasan, who travelled from Naogaon, said, “With her passing, we now feel orphaned. May Allah grant her Jannah.”

Among the mourners was 11-year-old Sayan Islam, who came with his father. “I’ve heard many stories about Khaleda Zia from my father. I really wanted to see her, but I couldn’t,” he said.

Homemaker Faizunnesa said Khaleda Zia had held a special place in their hearts since childhood. “Since hearing of her death, our whole family has been almost numb. May Allah keep her well in the hereafter,” she said.

Banker Firoza Begum said she felt compelled to visit despite her busy schedule. “My heart felt restless today. I felt I had to come, so I left my work and came here,” she said.

Silence at Gulshan residence ‘Feroza’

A subdued atmosphere prevailed at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Feroza, where she had lived in recent years. BNP Media Cell members said the house is deeply associated with memories of the late leader.

BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said, “Many memories of the BNP chairperson are attached to this house, and those emotionally and physically connected to it continue to feel her presence.”

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman spent most of the day at the residence, offering prayers and reciting the Quran for his mother. Relatives visited to console him. He later went to the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.

Another BNP Media Cell member, Atikur Rahman Ruman, said Tarique Rahman had been praying for his mother’s forgiveness from the previous night through Thursday afternoon. “Many relatives came to console him, and he shared memories of Madam within the family circle,” he said.

Condolences continue from political leaders, diplomats

Politicians, eminent personalities and foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka continued to express their condolences over Khaleda Zia’s death.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman signed the condolence book and met Tarique Rahman at his Gulshan office. Speaking to journalists, he prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and for her to be granted Jannatul Ferdous.

“She struggled uncompromisingly for democracy. People bid her farewell with rare historical respect and emotion,” he said.

Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid was among those who also signed the condolence book on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, died on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in the capital after a prolonged illness.

Her janaza on Wednesday drew a massive gathering at Manik Mia Avenue, where she was accorded state honours before being laid to rest.

The nation continues to mourn the loss of a leader whose political life shaped decades of Bangladesh’s history.