BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said on Saturday his family has been deeply moved by the continued outpouring of condolences and prayers from across the country and abroad following the death of his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
In a post on his official Facebook page, “As the three-day national mourning period for Begum Khaleda Zia comes to a close, our family has been deeply moved by the continued outpouring of condolences and prayers from across the country and from friends abroad.”
The BNP leader said the three days of mourning showed how his mother meant different things to different people, often in ways the family did not fully know or see.
He said to many, she has symbolised the courage to stand up for what one truly believes in and remain steadfast in conviction despite hardship, and the lesson resonates far beyond politics, touching people wherever they are, whoever they may be.
Tarique said they are eternally thankful to the interim government, and to Professor Muhammad Yunus and his Cabinet, whose leadership and swift coordination made it possible to arrange such an honourific farewell in a short time.
“To the international community, our neighbours, friends, diplomats, and partners around the world, you have warmed our hearts with your compassion and solidarity. The presence of dignitaries at the funeral, the letters and messages of condolence, the words written in condolence books, the countless expressions shared through social media, and official statements by leaders, local missions in Bangladesh, and organisations across the country has been incredible to see,” he said.
Once again, the BNP leader said, they are deeply grateful to all the servicemen and women involved, across the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, across coordinating administrations and ministries.
“My family and I were truly touched by your sense of duty and care during my mother’s final farewell. We remain grateful to all who helped ensure these days of mourning were conducted with dignity and care,” he said.
Tarique said that he wished to offer special thanks to the President Guard Regiment, whose solemn guard of honour and final salute paid the highest tribute to his mother’s life and service. “By escorting Begum Khaleda Zia with such respect to her final resting place, you embodied the nation’s reverence and ensured that her last journey was marked with the honour it deserved.”
The BNP leader said he is also mindful that many others, whose names or roles may not have been mentioned, contributed in countless ways to ensuring the day unfolded seamlessly.
“To all who served behind the scenes or beyond public view, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your efforts made it possible, Alhamdulillah, for our family and for the nation to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.
Tarique said, finally, to the people of Bangladesh, seeing so many from every corner of the nation gather in reverence for his mother was something his family could never have anticipated.
He said it was a powerful and unifying moment that reflected the compassion and shared humanity of the country’s people.
“On behalf of our family and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, we thank everyone who stood with us in grief and remembrance. Your kindness and solidarity have been a source of comfort and strength, and we carry them forward with gratitude,” Tarique said.
