News Flash
DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today expressed his profound gratitude to the government's civilian and military institutions, law enforcers, public servants and media professionals for their professionalism, care and dedication in ensuring a peaceful and dignified final farewell to his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a heartfelt statement, Tarique Rahman thanked the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force for maintaining discipline, dignity and calm throughout the day of national mourning. He said that their conduct reflected not only professionalism but also compassion during a deeply emotional moment.
He also extended sincere appreciation to members of the general security and law enforcers, including the Home Adviser's Office, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Armed Police Battalion (APBN).
"You worked patiently and respectfully, helping millions of people gather and return safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace," the statement said.
Acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts, the BNP Acting Chairman praised the intelligence agencies -- the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Special Branch (SB) -- for their vigilance, which helped ensure the overall safety and smooth conduct of the events.
Tarique Rahman also expressed gratitude to public servants from several key ministries and offices, 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 teams from the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Affairs, and Religious Affairs.
He said that their thoughtful coordination and steady presence ensured that every aspect of the programme was handled with care and respect.
Special thanks were conveyed 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 countries -- a gesture that, he said, reflected the international respect Begum Khaleda Zia commanded.
The BNP leader also paid tribute to journalists and media professionals from home and abroad for their dedicated and accurate coverage of the mammoth Janaza prayers and burial ceremonies, describing their work as particularly challenging 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 people, for the empathy, respect and sense of duty you showed at a time when we were grieving a great loss. Your efforts made it possible, Alhamdulillah, for our family and for the nation to honour her memory with dignity," he said.
