Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving an outpouring of respect and affection from people of all walks of life. At Zia Udyan, her grave, located next to that of former President Ziaur Rahman, has become a focal point for thousands of visitors who have come to pay their last respects. This scene was observed on Thursday (1 January) afternoon in the capital, Dhaka. After 12:00 PM, the entrance to Zia Udyan was opened to the public by law enforcement authorities. Since then, crowds of people have gathered to visit Khaleda Zia’s grave. Alongside party activists, a large number of ordinary citizens have visited the grave, offering flowers, prayers, and participating in recitations of the Quran. Some silently shed tears while remembering the former Prime Minister.
Conversations with visitors revealed that people have come not only from Dhaka but also from distant districts to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia. Many of them had been unable to enter the burial site during her funeral due to security restrictions, and today they came to offer their respects. Several visitors, not affiliated with BNP, explained that their attendance was solely out of admiration and personal respect for Khaleda Zia.
Mofazzal Hossain, who came from Narayanganj, said, “I am not a BNP supporter, but there is no other leader in the history of our country as steadfast and determined as Khaleda Zia. That is why I came to pay my respects at her grave.”
Although Khaleda Zia’s gravesite has been opened to the public, law enforcement personnel have been present in large numbers to maintain security and ensure smooth conduct.
After a prolonged illness, Khaleda Zia passed away in a hospital in Dhaka at 6:00 AM on Tuesday (30 December). Her burial took place at Zia Udyan, next to the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, on Wednesday (31 December) at 4:30 PM. Earlier, at 3:00 PM, her funeral prayer was held at Manik Mia Avenue, where hundreds of thousands of people from across the country participated.
The funeral was attended by prominent figures including Professor Muhammad Yunus, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, members of Khaleda Zia’s family, advisory council members, state dignitaries, representatives of foreign governments, foreign guests, political leaders, and clerics, alongside countless ordinary citizens from various walks of life.