BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia passed away in the early hours of December 30. Since then, several prayer and remembrance programs have been held seeking eternal peace for her soul, with her elder son and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman attending many of them.On Tuesday (January 20), Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, joined a prayer program organized by residents of Karail at the T&T Field in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The doa and munajat were conducted by Muhammad Ibrahim bin Ali, Imam of the United Hospital Mosque in Gulshan-2.

Before the munajat began, an unusual and widely noticed scene unfolded on the stage. Traditionally, religious scholars who lead prayers remain seated on one side of the stage. However, at this program, the imam was brought to the front and seated at the center of the stage.

Video footage from the event shows that after a brief speech, just before the munajat for the forgiveness of Khaleda Zia’s soul was to begin, Tarique Rahman looked toward the imam seated on the right side of the stage. He then asked party leaders to bring the imam forward. Tarique Rahman himself stood up, placed an empty chair at the front of the stage, and invited Imam Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim to take the seat. After exchanging greetings, the imam led the munajat from that position, while Tarique Rahman, his wife, and senior BNP leaders sat behind him and participated in the prayer.

The video of the moment quickly spread on social media, drawing widespread appreciation. Many users praised Tarique Rahman for showing such respect and honor to a religious scholar.

The prayer program was moderated by Abdus Salam, chief coordinator of the BNP Election Management Committee for Dhaka-17 constituency.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organizations from surrounding areas attended the program. The venue was crowded well before Tarique Rahman’s arrival.

Tarique Rahman is contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Dhaka-17 constituency, which includes Karail slum and the Mohakhali area.