People across the country continued to mourn former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday, 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 institutions, educational establishments and Bangladesh missions abroad, following the three-day state mourning declared by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Special prayers were held at mosques and places of worship of other faiths seeking forgiveness for the departed leader. Condolence books remained open at Bangladesh missions abroad.
As part of BNP’s seven-day mourning programme, party leaders and activists observed the second day of mourning nationwide. 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 remained open at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, the central office in Nayapaltan and district offices.
People from all walks of life visited Khaleda Zia’s grave on Thursday to offer prayers and pay respects.
The mausoleum at Zia Udyan was opened to the public around noon amid tight security. Hundreds gathered from the morning at Bijoy Sarani, waiting behind barricades until access was allowed.
Once opened, mourners entered in an orderly manner, offering prayers and placing 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.
Visitors included men, women and children, many of whom were seen in tears. A significant number of mourners also came from outside Dhaka.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Mohammadpur resident Syed Sabbir Hasan said he came as he could not attend the burial due to security restrictions.
Fatema Sharmin, of Munshiganj, said she came 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 to visit the grave. “I have heard many stories about Khaleda Zia from my father. I really wished to see her, but I could not.”
Homemaker Faizunnesa said “She held a special place in our hearts since our childhood. Since hearing the news of her death, our whole family has been almost numb. May Allah keep her well in the hereafter.”
Banker Firoza Begum felt compelled to come despite her busy schedule. “My heart was restless today. I felt the urge to come here once. So I left all my work and came.”
A quiet atmosphere prevailed at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Feroza, where she lived in recent years. BNP Media Cell members said many memories of the late leader are attached to the house.
BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said, “Many memories of the BNP chairperson are attached to this house, and those who are physically and mentally connected to the house also have feelings and emotions surrounding it.”
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 office in Gulshan in the afternoon.
BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Ruman said "The BNP acting chairman was at home praying for the forgiveness of his mother's soul last night and until Thursday afternoon. He offered prayers and recited the Quran.
"A lot of relatives came to the house to console him. At that time, the BNP acting chairman told them about the memorable incidents of Madam (Khaleda Zia) in the family circle.”
Politicians, eminent personalities and foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka continued expressing their condolences at the death of Khaleda Zia.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman signed the condolence book and met Tarique at his Gulshan office.
Speaking to journalists, the Jamaat ameer prayed for salvation of the departed soul and for granting her jannatul ferdous. “She (Khaleda Zia) struggled for democracy uncompromisingly. People bid her farewell with rare historical respect and emotion,” he added.
Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid also signed the condolence book, among others 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 given state honours before being laid to rest.
The nation continues to mourn the passing of a leader whose political life shaped decades of Bangladesh’s history.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
