BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 2, 2025 (BSS) - Thousands of people are paying tributes to the grave of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Numerous activists are arriving at Zia Uddan in the city under banners of various organizations.

Along with the leaders of BNP and associate bodies, general people have been visiting Khaleda Zia's grave since morning and offering fateha. Members of the police and BGB are on duty there to maintain law and order.

It was seen on the spot that crowds of people were heading towards the graves of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia from the turning at Zia Uddan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Many have brought flowers to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia. There were long lines of men and women from the road in front of the parliament building adjacent to the park and the Bailey Bridge to the grave. Members of the law enforcement forces are struggling to manage the crowd of activists near the grave.

Earlier, Khaleda Zia's granddaughter and Tarique Rahman's daughter Jaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman, and other close family members visited the grave.

Apart from party leaders and activists, a large number of general people are seen at Begum Zia's graveside. Activists, well-wishers, and general people are paying their respects by placing flowers at the grave. Some are visiting the grave, offering prayers, and participating in supplications.

Rafiqul Islam, 43, came from Mirmur 2, also an activists of the Juba Dal, told BSS, " I have came here to pay respect our deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia. May Allah grant her Jannat." 

Anwar Hossain, a worker, said, "I couldn't come on the day of bidding farewell to the leader due to work. Today, since it is a holiday, I came to the grave of Khaleda Zia. May Allah grant her heaven."

Following Khaleda Zia's death, the third and final day of national mourning is being observed across the country today. Special prayers and worship took place at all religious places of worship, including mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas across the country today.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at 6:00 AM while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

On December 31 last year (Wednesday), the former Prime Minister was buried with full state honors next to the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Her son Tarique Rahman buried his mother in the grave with family members. Before the burial, the armed forces paid the state tribute 'Guard of Honour' to the deceased.

Prior to this, Khaleda Zia's historic funeral prayer was held in a large area adjacent to the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building and Manik Miah Avenue with the participation of millions of people.